Keep On Dancing: Castroneves Signs Multi-Year Deal With Penske
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Castroneves Inks Multi-Year
Extension With Penske Racing |
IRL driver Helio Castroneves has "agreed to a long-term contract with Penske Racing, squelching rumors he was considering a jump to NASCAR," according to Curt Cavin of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Castroneves did not reveal terms of the deal "except to say it is a multiyear contract." He was set to become a free agent at the end of the season. IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt: "It's critical to have Helio here not just with his personality but his talent and all the things he brings to the table." Angstadt also confirmed that Watkins Glen Int'l will be part of the IndyCar Series' schedule next year, hosting a race during the July 4 holiday. Angstadt added that the '09 schedule is "expected to be announced later this month" with 18 or 19 races. Meanwhile, Cavin reported Izod Thursday celebrated its signing as the official apparel company of the IRL by "unveiling a billboard of Rahal Letterman Racing driver Ryan Hunter-Reay above the ESPN Zone" in N.Y.'s Times Square (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 7/5).
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS: NASCAR driver Mark Martin has officially signed a two-year agreement to drive for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in '09. Martin will race the full Sprint Cup schedule in the No. 5 Kellogg's/Carquest Chevrolet, marking his first full season of Cup competition since '06. Martin also is slated to run a partial Cup schedule in 2010, sharing the No. 5 car with a to-be-determined driver (Hendrick Motorsports). SI.com's Lars Anderson wrote, "Hendrick will have four drivers next season that are all capable of winning the championship. In fact, Hendrick's driver lineup in '09 will be the most star-studded in the history of the sport" (SI.com, 7/6).
RANDY MOSS MOTORSPORTS: In Charlotte, David Poole noted Patriots WR Randy Moss officially introduced his Randy Moss Motorsports Craftsman Trucks Series team Thursday, and Willie Allen will drive the No. 81 entry, which also is Moss' NFL number, at Kentucky Speedway on July 19. Moss: "I am not jumping into NASCAR because of the color of my skin. It's about the love and passion I have to win and about being a fan with an opportunity that has come my way." Moss bought 50% ownership in Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, and co-Owner David Dollar said that the team "would like to run for a title next year" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/4). Moss: "My door's open to any sponsor willing to team up with Randy Moss Motorsports, but at the same time I'm ready to keep this thing going myself. Either way, we're going to be happy and satisfied with what we're trying to develop" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/4).
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