Yankees co-Chair & General Partner Hank Steinbrenner is partnering with Andretti Autosport Chair, President and CEO Michael Andretti to "make an entry into auto racing," according to Billy Witz of the N.Y. TIMES. Steinbrenner Racing, which will be run by George Michael Steinbrenner IV -- Hank's son -- is "teaming with Andretti Autosport to race next year in Indy Lights, a developmental circuit under IndyCar." Steinbrenner Racing will "own the car and employ" driver Colton Herta, while Andretti Autosport will "provide the shop, transportation and crew." Andretti said that the "agreement is for two years," although "both parties have a longer vision." Andretti: "The plan is for them to eventually come with us to IndyCar racing. They’re hoping to get experience in the next two years as owners." Andretti said that the two families were "brought together by Sean Jones," George IV’s stepfather and a business partner of Herta's father, IndyCar team owner Bryan Herta. The families "began discussing the idea of a partnership last summer" and signed a contract Tuesday. Hank Steinbrenner has "been in the shadows in recent years while his younger brother, Hal, has run the Yankees" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/16).
