Auto Racing Capsules: Patrick staying on with Andretti Autosport
Danica Patrick unveiled her splashy new car in New York's Times Square, its bright green, black and orange color scheme right at home with the flashy billboards and lights above.
A car with fenders could be next for IndyCar's most marketable star.
Patrick signed a three-year contract extension with Andretti Autosport on Monday, a deal that could pave the way for the open-wheel star's desired foray into NASCAR.
"When there are more races on the schedule, my life almost feels more predictable," Patrick said during a segment on Fox News. "I'd be excited about the challenge. We'll see."
Patrick and team owner Michael Andretti announced the deal with Andretti Autosport during a segment on "Good Morning America," appearing together with her No. 7 GoDaddy.com Dallara-Honda.
The deal reportedly had been in the works for weeks, held up by Patrick's previous sponsorship deal with Motorola and a change in ownership with her team.
Andretti Autosport finished its restructuring last week, changing its name from Andretti Green Racing after Michael Andretti purchased the team from Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, who have taken control of the promotions side of the company.
The IRL deal done, Patrick my be free to turn her attention to a NASCAR ride.
JR Motorsports appears to be the most likely suitor.
A deal to partner her on a limited Nationwide Series schedule with the team owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. reportedly was in the final stages before the IRL deal was signed. There also have been rumors that Patrick will drive a handful of ARCA races.
JR Motorsports already has a sponsorship deal with GoDaddy.com for its No. 88 Chevrolet Nationwide car and announced in September that the Web giant will be the primary sponsor of Mark Martin's No. 5 Sprint Cup car. Earlier Monday, an image of Patrick wearing a race suit with JR Motorsports and Chevy logos reportedly appeared briefly her Web site before being taken down.
"I know everyone wants to know that," Patrick said on Fox News. "I love to drive. I love to race. If I got the chance to run both series, I'd love that. If we were announcing (NASCAR), we'd be here with two cars. We've been working on it."
Patrick signed with the Andretti Autosport before the 2007 season and became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Japan Indy 300. She also was the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 (in 2005) and was third there this season on the way to finishing fifth in the IRL season championship.
Patrick's new deal with runs through 2012.
"All of us at Andretti Autosport are looking forward to having Danica back with the team and are excited about working with (CEO) Bob Parsons and everyone at Go Daddy as the primary sponsor on Danica's car," Michael Andretti said in a statement.
The NASCAR season starts in February with the Daytona 500 and the 17-race IRL season begins March 14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
If Patrick chooses to do both, she'll certainly draw attention from sponsors with her crossover appeal. Some NASCAR drivers have warned about the difficulties of switching to stock cars, though most seem to be in favor of her joining the circuit.
Tony Stewart has won two Sprint Cup championships since leaving open-wheel racing, but Dario Franchitti went back to the IRL after an unsuccessful stint in NASCAR and three-time IndyCar champ Sam Hornish Jr. hasn't sniffed a win since crossing over. Former Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya won a race as a NASCAR rookie, but didn't find consistent success until his third season.
Starting off in the Nationwide series rather than going straight to Sprint Cup might be a way for Patrick to ease that transition.
"I think we'd all welcome her, but I'm really happy for Michael and for his team," said Sprint Cup driver John Andretti, Michael's cousin. "That is great for them and maybe Danica can still try some of this stuff too and see what she thinks."
NASCAR champ donates almost $1 million to schools
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson on Monday awarded nearly $1 million in education grants to school districts in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma.
Johnson, who wrapped up his record fourth consecutive Cup championship in the Nov. 22 season finale, received more than 80 applications from schools in districts both he and his wife, Chandra, attended, as well as the greater Charlotte area, where they live.
The grants from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation totaled $922,000. The awards included $347,000 toward science and technology needs, $357,000 for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds and athletic facilities and $27,000 for accelerated reading programs.
The Johnsons awarded the California grants at a special ceremony at Crest Elementary, in El Cajon, Calif., a school the driver attended. That school received $45,900 to create hands-on activities in science, technology, health and fitness, the arts, and after school programs.
His other two alma maters also received grants. Greenfield Middle School was awarded $31,572 for a lunch area and equipment, while Granite Hills High School received $31,155 to assist with stadium renovations.
"It was amazing to review the proposals and read firsthand about the pressing needs of our schools," Chandra Johnson said. "The funding requests were so diverse. I am particularly excited about the projects in Oklahoma as this is our first opportunity to give back in my hometown."
In Oklahoma, Muskogee High School received $30,000 for up-to-date science technology equipment, and an additional $9,900 to create a foreign language lab.
Nine schools in the greater Charlotte area received funding, including $65,000 to Smithfield Elementary for a new playground, and $62,061 for two science labs at Ashley Park Elementary.
In all, 26 schools across the three states received a grant.
"This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need," Johnson said. "I look forward to visiting some of the schools next year to see the completed projects."
Formula One lineups released for next year
PARIS — Motor racing's governing body has released the Formula One lineups for next year, revealing that Spanish driver Jaime Alguersuari's position at Toro Rosso is uncertain and new team Manor GP will drive as Virgin Racing.
FIA said Monday that Sebastien Buemi was the only driver listed for Toro Rosso's two positions. Alguersuari had replaced Sebastien Bourdais of France late last season.
The British-based Manor team has signed German driver Timo Glock. Virgin, which was on Brawn GP's championship winning cars last season, is yet to confirm it is sponsoring Manor.
Twelve teams were listed, although FIA said a 13th would be named "in due course." Sauber is the most likely candidate.
