Andretti Green to expand to 5-car team

Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon surprised people when he spoke last week of exploring options in NASCAR. But he said Thursday that it's a matter of being prepared for anything as contract negotiations intensify this summer.

"Right now, I don't have a contract for next year," Wheldon said during his travels from the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles to Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, where the Indy Racing League competes this weekend. "I don't know what's going to happen. I'd like to think (he'll remain in Indy cars), but you never know.

"If you can't agree (on a contract), you can't have a deal."

Wheldon said he doesn't have a timetable for completing discussions with Andretti Green Racing, his current employer. Also unsigned at AGR for 2006 are Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta.

AGR co-owner Kevin Savoree said Thursday the team intends to have the "same (four) drivers, same sponsors" next year, plus perhaps a program for Marco Andretti, co-owner Michael's son. Indy Star