it's official-Klein Tools and Jim Beam re-up

[stymie]

ESPN 950 stated that Dan Wheldon will re-sign with AGR today.

Does that mean the team continues as a three car team or does this mean Dario is out? Anyone know for sure?

[JoeBob]

What I've heard is that AGR is continuing as a three car team, and they're expecting Dario to drive for them next season.

[bondo]

What about Jim Beam? Anyone know if they will stay on as a sponser?

[stymie]

That is what I hoped for JoeBob.

And I hope Jim Beam stays around as that was a very nice car, not to mention the fact that in my younger days I "invested" heavily in Jim Beam

[rev-ed]

My best guess is that you'll see three cars - two 7-11's and a Jim Beam/Klein Tool/Archipeligo/Whoever entry. It could be that Dario will be Indy-only, but I'd bet AGR would like to keep everyone.

[indyracer56]

I would like to see them run the #7 and the #11 car for the whole season.

That would be cool.

[indyracer56]

Here is the press release from the IndyCar web site.

http://www.indycarseries.com/indycar/news/story.php?story_id=2104

[rev-ed]

My best guess was proven wrong within 20 minutes. I believe that's a new record. . .

[Jimbo77]

Means that Dario did not break his current contract with AGR in order to jump to that other series. Also means that Herta will be looking for a ride next year.

[step33T]

NOTE:

The Press Release did NOT name a driver for 2004, but instead spoke of resigning Jim Beam and Klein Tools as sponsors of the #26.

[rev-ed]

I noticed that as well. Didn't even mention a driver for the #11. . .

[IRL Dan]

The first thing I noticed in that story was no mention of Wheldon as the driver for '04

[JoeBob]

If you've paid attention, you'll notice that the only driver AGR has announced is Tony Kanaan. (That was announced at Texas.)

Rumor has Wheldon and Franchitti returning, and Herta taking a walk. Then there's the question of where this plays into things:

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?content_code=07011643

The indicators say Honda will cut back on team support in the IRL and focus on Andretti Green Racing next year, and that could mean at least a couple of new unemployed drivers in the league.

Does that mean AGR picks up the job of fielding a car for "Honda's Driver?"

[indyracer56]

More news:

"The situation at Andretti Green Racing appears to be clearing up. The second year of Tony Kanaan’s two-year contract will be sponsored by a renewal with 7-Eleven. Next week a similar renewal with Klein Tools and Jim Beam will be announced for Dan Wheldon."

"Team CEO Michael Andretti said he expects Dario Franchitti to return despite speculation he will move back to CART. Seems CART team owner Paul Gentilozzi has been telling people he has signed Franchitti. Said Andretti, “All I can do is laugh at that. I talk to Dario all the time, and he’s excited about coming back. He’s excited to be part of this team.”

http://autoweek.com/cat_print.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=motorsportsnews&loc_code=&content_code=07713965&353004434

[JoeBob]

That Dario situation is very, very strange.

He served as the color commentator for the Australian broadcast of the CART race in Surfer's Paradise. When the play-by-play guy asked him if they'd see him back in CART, Dario supposedly replied, "Stay tuned."

What I don't get is why there's such a huge demand for the guy. After Greg Moore's crash, and his own at Homestead a few months later, he hasn't been close to the same.