During a teleconference on Wednesday to announce his decision to field a car for NASCAR-team owner Richard Petty and driver John Andretti for this year’s IndyCar race at Kansas Speedway and then the Indianapolis 500, Indy Racing League team-owner Michael Andretti was asked if he had any interest in stock cars.
He was asked, specifically, if he might do what Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske have already done: Put together and operate a NASCAR operation while also maintaining his open wheel operation.
Andretti, the son of a driver who won both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, did not say no. “Never say never,” he said. “You know, I think there’s always a possibility of that in the future. You know, we just have to wait and see.”
The guess here is that Michael Andretti could get good in a hurry in NASCAR. In the seven seasons his team has competed in the IndyCar Series, it has produced 34 race victories and three series championships. Andretti has been superb at finding good people and putting them to work in the right jobs. He has been masterful at attracting and keeping sponsors.
This year, Andretti is going it alone as an IRL owner as he and former co-owner Kim Green have separated. Andretti said this week that because of that, his hands are full, and his focus narrowed strictly on the IRL.
But, Michael Andretti is a racer at heart. If a good opportunity were to arise, you might find that Andretti could follow both Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi’s lead and add a NASCAR team to his stable.
Which brings a thought to mind; what and where will we find Marco Andretti driving in 2011? What do you think?
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
