Marino Franchitti to Join AGR ALMS Lineup

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Andretti Green Racing announced today that Marino Franchitti will join Bryan Herta as a co-driver of the #26 XM Satellite Radio Acura for the inaugural Acura Sportscar Challenge of St. Petersburg on Saturday, March 31. Franchitti will jump into the car that won the LMP2 class at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 17. Franchitti, the younger brother of Andretti Green driver Dario Franchitti, is an ALMS veteran, having finished second in the GT2 class at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in 2006.

Franchitti has spent the past six years driving in various sports car-related series including the Grand Am Rolex Series. He also earned a podium finish at the Spa 24 Hour race as well as a race win at Adria. Among his highlights in 2005 was an appearance as a works. driver for Panoz at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2004 he captured pole position in the LMP2 category at the 12 Hours of Sebring and in 2001, his first season of professional racing, he earned eight victories en route to the British GTO Championship.

The inaugural Acura Sportscar Challenge is a 2 hour and 45 minute timed event held on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., in conjunction with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The race begins at 5:05 p.m. (EDT) on the 1.8-mile course with television coverage provided by SPEED Channel on a tape-delayed basis beginning at 8 p.m. (EDT).

MARINO FRANCHITTI, XM SATELLITE RADIO ACURA
"I'm ready to get into the XM Satellite Radio Acura. I've had the chance to test the car on several occasions and Andretti Green Racing gave me some laps in the car at Sebring so I'm anxious to get to St. Petersburg and race. Bryan (Herta) proved that Andretti Green Racing and Acura put a lot of work into creating a race car that was not only quick, but durable as well. St. Petersburg is a fun but challenging race track and hopefully we'll be able to earn a second victory for Acura."

KIM GREEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANDRETTI GREEN RACING
"We certainly feel that this a good opportunity for Marino and we're looking forward to seeing him perform at a key event for XM, Acura and Andretti Green. The class win at Sebring was a big boost for everyone involved with our program and we're hoping Bryan and Marino can ride that momentum for another good result in the Acura Sportscar Challenge."