Thursday, Michael Andretti confirmed a split with Andretti Green Racing co-owners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree. They will own and operate the organization’s promotional company, currently known as Andretti Green Promotions. Andretti plans to maintain a four-car IndyCar Series team and said he expects to retain popular star Danica Patrick. “Getting close,” he said of negotiations. “We’ve been back and forth a lot, but they want it and we want it. We’re just going through the particulars right now. I’m happy with the way things are going.” An announcement could come as early as next week. Her car’s sponsor, Motorola, is based in Schaumburg, Ill., near Chicagoland Speedway, site of the Aug. 29 race. Patrick’s three-year contract expires at the end of the season, which has four races left.(Indianapolis Star)(8-21-2009)
UPDATE: It appears Danica Patrick is leaning strongly toward staying in the IndyCar Series now that Michael Andretti is in the process of taking full control of ownership at Andretti Green Racing (AGR). “I think it’s looking a bit like I’m returning,” Patrick said in a private interview with SI.com on Friday. “I’m not done. We are still working through some things, but it’s looking like that. It is moving along very positively.”(Sports Illustrated)(8-22-2009)
