AGR hires Ziggy

Another sure sign that a merger of Champ Car and the IRL is upon us – Andretti Green Racing (AGR) announced today it has hired Champ Car racing veteran Paul “Ziggy" Harcus as team manager. Harcus, who has nearly 30 years of racing experience, will join AGR’s management team and oversee various aspects of AGR’s four-car IndyCar Series program.

Harcus spent the previous three racing seasons as the director of operations for the Champ Car World Series. As the director of operations, Harcus oversaw all technical aspects of the race cars. He was charged with administrating all inspections as well as managing all race officials.

Harcus also spent two seasons working in the IndyCar Series with Kelley Racing where he served in the team manager role. He directed all aspects of the two-car operation and worked with drivers Al Unser Jr., Scott Sharp and Tony Renna.

Before his stop in the IndyCar Series, Harcus spent more than 10 years working at PacWest Racing. Harcus began working as a chief mechanic before moving into the team manager position of PacWest’s Indy Lights program and working with future IndyCar Series champions Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon.

"Paul is a great addition to our team," said Andretti Green's chief executive officer Kim Green, who co-owns Andretti Green with partners Michael Andretti and Kevin Savoree. "He has a wealth of experience and great knowledge that allows him to join Andretti Green and make an immediate contribution to our organization."

Andretti Green, which is in its sixth year of operation, continues to field four cars in the IndyCar Series and also campaigns a single-car effort in the American Le Mans Series. In January of 2008, Andretti Green announced a partnership with AFS Racing to operate a two-car Indy Pro Series operation. AGR also owns the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which will see its fourth annual event April 4-6, 2008.