Danica Patrick refused Wednesday to confirm widespread reports that she’s agreed to a three-year extension of her IndyCar contract with Andretti Green Racing. Asked specifically about the extension, Patrick simply shook her head, not saying a word. Patrick is considered the biggest draw in the IRL, and her interest in moving to NASCAR has been speculated on numerous times in recent years. She has a close relationship with Tony Stewart, and he has said Patrick will eventually make the jump he did – from IndyCar to stock cars. IRL officials have not commented about Patrick’s future. Patrick was at Homestead-Miami Speedway with several other drivers Wednesday to test for the IndyCar finale Oct. 10. Earlier this season, Patrick insisted she wouldn’t announce anything about her future until after this IRL season concludes.(in part from the Associated Press)(10-2-2009)
UPDATE: Danica Patrick was in Indianapolis on Friday, but she didn’t comment on her future as a race car driver. When asked about signing a contract to remain in the IndyCar Series with Andretti Green Racing or continuing to pursue options in NASCAR, Patrick offered nothing but a blank stare. “I’m going to answer for her,” a senior official from AirTran Airways said at the promotional gathering. But, despite breaking the tension, he also did not answer the question. Patrick’s assignment Friday was to give two-seater Indy-car rides to a host of contest winners. Andretti Green Racing and IndyCar Series sources have told The Star that Patrick signed a new contract two weeks ago. Andretti did not deny the signing but said the document was still in the hands of lawyers.(Indianapolis Star)(10-4-2009)
