Adam Carroll full-time in IndyCar in 2011?

Adam Carroll

The prospects of Adam Carroll moving full-time to IndyCar racing next season may have moved a step closer with the announcement that the US company which has backed his Andretti Autosport car in two races this season is planning a bigger involvement in the IZOD series next year.

AFS Racing also runs an Indy Lights team but intends to link up with Andretti Autosport in the full IndyCar series in 2011.

“I want to step up," said AFS team boss Gary Peterson.

“I've just been waiting for the announcement of the new cars for 2012.

“But I'm definitely going to run a car full time next year.

“Hopefully we can have the same type of deal where it's an AFS/Andretti team next year," he added.

It is far from clear whether Carroll will be the driver but Michael Andretti has indicated he is keen for the Ulsterman to be part of his team next season.

“I know he's a really good, world-class driver. Just give him time. He's doing everything we thought he would do," said Andretti.

The A1GP champion from Portadown was impressive on his debut at Watkins Glen in July but never figured at Mid Ohio last weekend, qualifying 17th and finishing 19th.

A disappointed Carroll said afterwards: “I've never struggled like that before.

“It's a hard championship, and the car isn't like anything I'm used to driving but at least I finished the race and got more miles under my belt.

“You get difficult weekends like this sometimes. It’s so frustrating but hopefully I'll get another chance to get out there and prove what I can do." Belfast Telegraph