Danica Patrick has agreed to a three-year contract to remain at Andretti Green Racing and stay in the IndyCar Series, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star.
Patrick, the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in last year’s Indy Japan, is finishing her fifth season in the IndyCar Series and is fifth in points. She’s been rumored to be considering a move to NASCAR and still could compete in a limited number of races.
The Indy Racing League and Andretti Green Racing had no comment.
The IndyCar Series season finale is Oct. 10 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said the 27-year- old driver is important to the future of the series.
“I know she has said winning the Indianapolis 500 is important to her and that it’s a lifelong dream to win that race,” Belskus said.
Johnson wins Dover pole
DOVER, Del. — Jimmie Johnson will go for the Dover sweep from the pole.
Johnson turned a lap of 157.356 mph Friday at Dover International Speedway and will start first for only the second time this season. He led a career-high 298 laps in May to win at the Monster Mile.
“A pole today will make the start of the weekend much better and give us a lot of direction and momentum moving into tomorrow,” Johnson said. “It does carry you, and there is an aspect of momentum. But at the same time, you’ve got to go out and perform.”
The top four spots at qualifying spots for Sunday’s AAA 400 all went to Chase contenders. Juan Pablo Montoya was second, Ryan Newman third and Greg Biffle fourth.
Hight leads funny car
ENNIS, Texas — Robert Hight raced to the funny car qualifying lead in the O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals.
Hight powered his Ford Mustang to a No. 1 effort of 4.109 seconds at 305.56 mph. Team owner John Force was second in his Mustang, and Jerry Toliver was third.
Larry Dixon (top fuel), Mike Edwards (pro stock) and Eddie Krawiec (pro stock motorcycle) also led their categories.
The Associated Press
