AGR re-signs Kanaan

Andretti Green Racing, a team that appeared to be in disarray two weeks ago, was on the same page Friday at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky.

Answering persistent rumors that Tony Kanaan, its "franchise player," would sign with another team for 2009, AGR announced the 33-year-old Brazilian has signed a five-year contract extension through 2013. Michael Andretti is co-owner of AGR along with Kevin Savoree and Kim Green.

Danica Patrick and rookie Hideki Mutoh are under contract for 2009, and the signing of Kanaan means Marco Andretti, Michael's son, is the only AGR driver not locked up for next season.

"There's still a few things to iron out, but he's going to be here next year," the elder Andretti said. "Now, we can concentrate on finishing out this season strong and getting ready for next year."

So far, 2008 has been a disappointing season for AGR, although Kanaan goes into tonight's Meijer Indy 300 fourth in the standings, 118 points behind series leader Scott Dixon.

Dixon easily won the pole for today's Meijer Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway. He earned his fifth pole of the season, averaging 218.968 mph during a four-lap turn around the 1.5-mile oval. Vitor Meira will start outside the front row with a four-lap average of 218.409.

FIRST INDYCAR SELLOUT IN KENTUCKY: Things continue to look up for IndyCar in the wake of the unification of the two American open-wheel series. Today's Meijer Indy 300 will be the first sellout in nine visits to Kentucky Speedway by the IndyCars.

A capacity crowd of 66,098 is assured, a testament perhaps to revived interest in open-wheel racing after the IRL and Champ Car merged in February. An additional 2,000 standing-room-only tickets will go on sale this morning.