Jaques Lazier to drive for Patrick in Nashville.

IRL IndyCar Series fan favourite Jaques Lazier will make his return to the IRL IndyCar Series for the first time since Indianapolis for Pat Patrick's eponymous team in this Saturday's Firestone Indy 200 at the Nashville Superspeedway.

The Colorado native has signed a one-race deal to drive for Patrick as the veteran team boss looks for a permanent replacement for the recently retired Al Unser Jr.

"I'm extremely honoured to be driving for Pat," Lazier said. "I was fortunate to run with A.J. (Foyt) last year. Now this year, I'm fortunate to run with Pat. Just within a couple of months, I was able to strengthen my resume, and I'm very excited about the opportunity. I'm very comfortable with the team, and I think it's an incredible team."

Lazier, who has one career IRL victory, drove as Robby Gordon's substitute in this year's Indy 500 and finished tenth at Nashville in 2003 while driving for AJ Foyt.

Jeff Simmons drove for Patrick at the last round of the Championship in Kansas and the team boss hasn't ruled out running both Simmons and Lazier in the #20 Dallara-Chevrolet in future races.