Andretti and Hunter-Reay waiting on sponsorship

Marco Andretti still hasn't signed a contract to remain an Indy-car driver at Andretti Green Racing, but there is no reason for concern, his agent said. Andretti, 21, will sign with his father's team once the sponsorship program for the No. 26 car gets resolved, according to John Caponigro, president of Sports Management Network.

"It's not an issue being (at AGR) or not being there; it's the dough and all," Caponigro said. "Once the sponsorship gets lined up, we'll get it done."

Andretti's three seasons in the IndyCar Series have been spent with a variety of financial backers, led by Blockbuster. Caponigro said the duration of Andretti's next contract will depend on the value of the sponsorship package.

"If it's low enough, I don't want to do a multiyear (contract)," he said. "If it's higher, well, that's a different dynamic."

Andretti could not be reached for comment, but Caponigro said the third-generation racer is not considering a move to another series.

Rahal Letterman Racing is more in limbo than AGR, but it is similarly making plans to return to the IndyCar Series in 2009.

At issue is the primary sponsorship of the No. 17 car, which has been ethanol since the start of the 2006 season.

That backing is in question now that the Indy Racing League has switched to a Brazilian-based company to coordinate its fuel.

Until the sponsor is resolved, the team owned by Bobby Rahal and David Letterman can't secure its driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay, who had a breakout season this year and won at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Indy Star