“Andretti Green Racing worked very hard during the off-season, and we are really anxious and ready to get the 2007 season underway, †team co-owner Kevin Savoree said. “We’ve seen some big changes in our organization, and we’re really looking forward to going racing. â€
The biggest change is the addition of Patrick, the 2005 Bombardier Learjet Rookie of the Year. Patrick, who joins the team after two seasons at Rahal Letterman Racing hopes the offseason move pays off in her first win.
“I’m excited about my move to Andretti Green Racing and the No. 7 Team Motorola car, †she said. “Nobody else has won more than them, and they were the only team last year to beat the red cars (Team Penske and Target Chip Ganassi Racing) at two races. â€
Patrick will work with veteran engineer Martin Pare and the crew that prepared cars for Franchitti the last two seasons. Team co-owner Kim Green, who previously called races for Tony Kanaan, will serve as Patrick’s race stategist. Patrick, though, is looking forward to being part of the camaraderie of the four-driver lineup.
“I’m also really excited about my teammates, just how much they can help me, †she said. “I’ve never really been in a situation before where I’ve had people that I can lean on, that can help me. That’s going to be a really nice thing for me, to just not only have helpers but friends. “
While Patrick is new to the team, Franchitti has been with the team for nearly a decade. But with much of his crew moving to Patrick’s Team Motorola entry, Franchitti’s car has assumed the crew that previously worked with Bryan Herta.
Still, Franchitti is optimistic about how the Canadian Club car will perform this season.
“I haven’t been this excited to get back into a race car in quite a long time, †said Franchitti, who has driven for the team since 1997. “We had some very good race cars last season, and I expect to be contending for race wins.
“With Canadian Club continuing as the major sponsor on my car, it gives the team some continuity and chemistry to build on that should help produce results on the track. “
ANDRETTI GREEN RACING
Car numbers: 7 (Patrick), 27 (Franchitti)
Chassis/engine/tire: Dallara/Honda/Firestone
Drivers: Danica Patrick, 25 (on March 25), of Roscoe, Ill., and Dario Franchitti, 33 of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Race engineers: Martin Pare (Patrick), Allen McDonald (Franchitti)
Chief mechanic: Dave Popielarz (Patrick), Jeff Grahn (Franchitti)
Team managers: George Klotz and John Anderson
