Friday, December 23, 2005

Michael Andretti To Try Indy Again

This one only puzzles me a little. At 43 Michael Andretti is training hard to make a comeback to Indy, a venue that has not been kind to his family. Andretti-Green Racing has announced that Michael will drive the Jim Beam/Vonage car in May's running of the 500 mile event.

Michael's son, Marco, will be joining AGR in the #26 Arca/Ex car driven last year by Dario Franchitti. The Jim Beam sponsorship was left open with the departure from AGR of Dan Wheldon but Marco, at 18, could not drive a car sponsored by the liquor manufacturer.

Franchitti will take the wheel of the Klein Tools/Jim Beam car full time in 2006 and Tony Kanaan stays in the 7-11 car. Underappreciated Bryan Herta returns to the XM Satellite Radio car for the third year.

Michael's return means that Andretti-Green will have 5 cars attempting to qualify for the May Classic race. Apparently, the quick taste of milk he got as team owner last year whet his appetite for more.

Editor's Note: Per IndyCar guidelines issued in 2005 this story is required to mention Danica Patrick at least one time. There, I've done it.

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