Danica Patrick Staying Put

According to the Indianapolis Star newspaper, IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has signed on for another three year stint with Andretti-Green Racing. Patrick, who is by far the series' most recognizable media figure, reportedly sealed the deal during last weekend's race at Motegi, Japan.

She could not be reached for comment to this point, but it is believed that an official announcement confirming the deal from Danica and AGR will be made during the season-ending Homestead-Miami race weekend, Oct, 8-10th. Sports Illustrated.com says that un-named sources with AGR have reportedly verified the Star's story.

Jeff Belskus, the recently appointed CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation (parent company of the IRL) was pleased to hear the report. "She is great for our series and an important part of our series. I won't sit here and say it's absolutely necessary to have her in the series, but we certainly prefer for her to be a part of the IndyCar Series."

While this should effectively put to rest the rumors that Patrick was considering a full-time switch to the NASCAR Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series (proving oneself in one of these "minor league" series is a pre-requisite for advancing to the Sprint Cup Series), many still expect her to try her hand at an occasional event in either class to get a first-hand feel for NASCAR as she contemplates her racing future beyond the year 2012.  

There were also rumors circulating that Patrick might have been on the short list of drivers being considered for a spot on the recently announced US Grand Prix Engineering squad, which is due to make it's debut on the F1 circut next year. 

In her five year career in the IndyCar Series, Danica has one victory to her credit to date: last April at Motegi. Japan.