Vitor Replacing Dario in ALMS Race

[DanicaRules]

Andretti Green Racing announced that Vitor Meira will join Tony Kanaan and Bryan Herta behind the wheel of the No. 26 XM Satellite Radio Acura LMP2 car in this weekend's Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

Meira is replacing Dario Franchitti, who was released Oct. 2 from his Andretti Green Racing driver agreement. Meira has one previous American Le Mans Series start, which resulted in a third-place overall finish in last year's Petit Le Mans.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to driving for Andretti Green Racing with Bryan and Tony," said Meira, who has made 76 IndyCar Series starts. "I know XM and Acura have put a lot of effort into the car and hopefully I can help them win their first Petit Le Mans."

Andretti Green Racing is seeking its second victory in its first ALMS season. The XM Acura team scored an LMP2 class win at the season-opening Twelve Hours of Sebring.

"Vitor has shown a lot of speed throughout his career and will help give us a good shot to compete for a win this weekend at Road Atlanta," team co-owner Michael Andretti said. "He's done a great job for Honda over the years and we're excited about seeing him in the XM Acura this weekend with Bryan and Tony."

I wonder if this means Vitor has the nod to be Dario's replacement for the 2008 IRL season ??:confused:

[EIR Loe.307]

That's a good question. Who is taking that seat?? I still think he should have stayed to defend the title. I could never leave something without defending the title at least once. I mean if he won again and then left fine.

[DanicaRules]

Thomas Scheckter was the one mentioned the most in replacing Dario. I also heard Buddy Rice as well. It will be interesting to see who they get.

I wonder if Dario will defend his Indy 500 title ??

[EIR Loe.307]

Thomas Scheckter was the one mentioned the most in replacing Dario. I also heard Buddy Rice as well. It will be interesting to see who they get.

I wonder if Dario will defend his Indy 500 title ??

Isn't Buddy Rice driving A1GP??

[DanicaRules]

Isn't Buddy Rice driving A1GP??


Yes, there are 11 events in that series for 2007-2008. It was just one of a few names mentioned for AGR.

[EIR Loe.307]

He'd probably have time to do both. I don't know if any of the dates conflict. I've heard of drivers in more than one series.

[Driverdb]

I wonder if Team USA will want to keep Buddy on though, I'm not sure he actually knew where the gas pedal was in an A1GP car at Zandvoort. :lol:

[DanicaRules]

Didnt Rice finish 11th or 13th in his first race in A1GP ?

[Driverdb]

He finished 22nd and very much dead last. His best lap time was 4.1 seconds off pace (and 20th best) on a circuit where they lap in the 1.29's.

In race two things went a bit better though as he climbed up to 13th and was just 2 seconds off the pace.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not Buddy-bashing here there might have been something wrong with his car. I dunno. :)

[EIR Loe.307]

Don't forget thought, that A1GP has a Sprint Race, AND a feature race at each event. Not that I got to see either one but you may want to specify which race = which result.

[Driverdb]

Don't forget thought, that A1GP has a Sprint Race, AND a feature race at each event. Not that I got to see either one but you may want to specify which race = which result.

Race one Sprint, race two Feature.

[EIR Loe.307]

Didnt Rice finish 11th or 13th in his first race in A1GP ?

Race one Sprint, race two Feature.

I meant which race, the sprint of the feature?

[saltysurprise]

Didnt Rice finish 11th or 13th in his first race in A1GP ?

Race one Sprint, race two Feature.

I meant which race, the sprint of the feature?

Clearly he means his first A1GP race.:lol:

First everrrr... DUH!!:rolleyes: