Motorsports

Record-setting season has Wheldon in demand

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Dan Wheldon talked about how much it means for him to be a part of Andretti Green Racing and how he longs to stand by his crew in victory lane again next season as they help turn this team into an Indy-car dynasty.

But his plans could change after the checkered flag flies at California Speedway in Fontana on Sunday, bringing the Toyota Indy 400 and the IRL season to an end.

There's a chance this could be his final start for the team that turned him into an Indianapolis 500 winner.

Wheldon's contract to drive for Andretti Green Racing, which is co-owned by Michael Andretti, Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, will expire after this race. Negotiations, he said, are ongoing.

Turning in a record-setting season in his Honda-powered Dallara has made Wheldon, a St. Petersburg resident, one of the most sought-after free agents in motor sports.

Wheldon, 27, said his management company has received offers from several teams in Formula One and NASCAR. A couple of Andretti Green's IRL rivals, he said, have made inquiries.

"It is their (the management company's) job to be looking into all of the options for my future and making sure they are right," said Wheldon. "They certainly did have contact with different teams in different series. That's just part of business, though."

Wheldon opened the season with four victories in five starts and became the first British driver to win the Indianapolis 500 since Graham Hill in 1966.

If Wheldon ends up in the IRL next year, he wants to drive with the No. 1 on his car, which has been reserved for IRL champions.

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 01:11:19]