Patrick staying with Andretti Autosport

Associated Press

Danica Patrick unveiled her splashy new car in New York’s Times Square, its bright green, black and orange color scheme right at home with the flashy billboards and lights above.

A car with fenders could be next for IndyCar’s most marketable star.

Patrick signed a three-year contract extension with Andretti Autosport on Monday, a deal that could pave the way for the open-wheel star’s desired foray into NASCAR.

“When there are more races on the schedule, my life almost feels more predictable,” Patrick said during a segment on Fox News. “I’d be excited about the challenge. We’ll see.”

Patrick and team owner Michael Andretti announced the deal with Andretti Autosport during a segment on “Good Morning America,” appearing together with her No. 7 GoDaddy.com Dallara-Honda.

The deal reportedly had been in the works for weeks, held up by Patrick’s previous sponsorship deal with Motorola and a change in ownership with her team.

Andretti Autosport finished its restructuring last week, changing its name from Andretti Green Racing after Michael Andretti purchased the team from Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, who have taken control of the promotions side of the company.

The IRL deal done, Patrick my be free to turn her attention to a NASCAR ride.

JR Motorsports appears to be the most likely suitor.

A deal to partner her on a limited Nationwide Series schedule with the team owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. reportedly was in the final stages before the IRL deal was signed. There also have been rumors that Patrick will drive a handful of ARCA races.

JR Motorsports already has a sponsorship deal with GoDaddy.com for its No. 88 Chevrolet Nationwide car and announced in September that the Web giant will be the primary sponsor of Mark Martin’s No. 5 Sprint Cup car.