Danica Patrick to drive for Andretti Green team

CHICAGO (AP) -- Danica Patrick's "heart and soul" are with the Indy Racing League, so that's where she'll stay -- for now.
A new career in NASCAR will have to wait.
Though she isn't ready to give up the speed of open-wheel racers for the popularity of stock cars, Patrick is switching teams. One of the IRL's most popular drivers in years signed Tuesday with Andretti Green Racing, which has produced two straight series champions and last year's Indy 500 winner.
Her current contract with Rahal Letterman Racing expires at the end of the season, and she had toyed with the idea of joining NASCAR -- a possibility she left open for the future.
"NASCAR is not out for good," she said. "It's out for right now."
Exploring every option
Patrick said she was just exploring every option and was always leaning toward staying in the IndyCar series. She will start driving for the team led by Michael Andretti in 2007.
"My heart and soul is in IndyCar racing," Patrick said at a news conference.
Patrick burst on the scene in 2005 when she nearly won the pole at the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, then went on to become the first woman to lead laps at the Brickyard and finished fourth. She was also named IndyCar rookie of the year.
"She has made it very clear that one of her goals as a driver is to win the Indianapolis 500," Andretti said, "and we are looking forward to giving her a great opportunity to do that."
Patrick is the third driver under contract to Andretti Green racing for 2007, joining Tony Kanaan and 19-year-old Marco Andretti.
"Danica has shown great talent during her first two seasons in the IndyCar Series," Michael Andretti said in a statement. "Our focus has been and always will be on winning races and winning championships. We certainly believe Danica will do that."
Back-to-back fourth places
Patrick has finished fourth in back-to-back races and is ninth in the IndyCar standings, but her Rahal team had problems this season before switching to a more competitive chassis.
"I've had a very good run, a very good relationship with Rahal Letterman and Bobby Rahal," Patrick said. "He helped me when no one else stepped up. And I will be forever grateful for that.
"But at some point in time, there's just time for a change, time for something new. I feel Andretti Green is going to give me the opportunity to win races, and while Rahal Letterman still can, too, I have to go with what I think is best for my future. I feel like that's the place."
Did not release details
Patrick and AGR officials did not release the length or terms of the deal.
Brent Maurer, Rahal Letterman's director of public relations, said: "She told us she's leaving and we wish her well in her future endeavors."
Patrick's father, T.J., caused a stir earlier this month when he showed up at a Nextel Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway and told a Chicago Tribune reporter that Patrick was interested in switching to NASCAR.
But for now, the IRL is keeping one of its most popular drivers.
"She's been an important part of our growth and general awareness," IRL president Brian Barnhart said. "We're excited that's going to continue in the future."
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.