Kanaan retakes leadership role on AGR team
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-18 08:54
INDIANAPOLIS - Tony Kanaan's resume reads like that of a champion. In three
full seasons on the IRL circuit, he has won six races, a series points
championship and an Indianapolis 500 pole.
On almost any other team, those accomplishments and Kanaan's good-natured
personality would make him the undisputed marquee driver.
But last year, Kanaan settled for a backup role to teammate Dan Wheldon, who
dominated the circuit and claimed the biggest prize by winning the Indianapolis
500.
Now things are back to normal. With Wheldon cashing in on his success by
jumping to Target Chip Ganassi this season, Kanaan has reclaimed his role as the
face of Andretti Green Racing.
"It's never really anybody's team," Kanaan said in a rare serious moment.
"Whoever is doing the best becomes the leader. But we're not here to be the team
leader, we're here to win championships."
Kanaan, a prominent prankster, relishes the more serious side of racing — his
role on the team and what it takes to win.
When he's not dreaming up new practical jokes for his teammates, he works
relentlessly on his treadmill, mountain bike or other fitness equipment. When
he's not clowning his way through media interviews, he meets with teammates and
engineers to fine tune his No. 11 car.
|
