Kanaan Snubs Ganassi, Signs Five-Year AGR Extension

Question

Did Kanaan just make the biggest mistake his career? I mean, Staying @ that drama house called AGR w/ Danica, Marco, and Hideki would just be too stressful if I was Tony... I really though he would get away from it all and join Ganassi but I guess his loyalty is with Andretti, and that I do respect.

Do you think Tony made the right move by not moving at all?

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-kanaan-snubs-ganassi-signs-1yr-agr-extension/indycar-kanaan-snubs-ganassi-signs-1yr-agr-extension

Answer 1

I'm glad he's staying w/Andretti Green. The team would be less funny w/out him.

Answer 2

One wild card over the next five years is Danica's sponsorship.  Since Motorola will be splitting into two different companies next year, which company will pay for her $7 million annual sponsorship?  If the answer is neither, Danica may not be as valuable to AGR as she was two years ago.  That would eliminate some of the drama right there especially if they replaced her with someone TK was more compatible with.

Answer 3

I think Kanaan might have been a little intimidated with what Dixon is doing this year and maybe didn't want to be the #2 driver at Ganassi.  Dixon is going to be the guy to beat at least until the new car arrives in 2011.  

As for AGR, Kanaan seems like the kind of guy who would value the relationships he has with Michael and his crew.  Plus, I think Kanaan feels he can work with Marco as a valuable teammate once Marco calms down a little bit.  Danica and Mutoh bring in probably more sponsor dollars than any other drivers in the field, so it's worth the aggravation of Danica's fits and Mutoh's muteness.

Answer 4

I think he made the right move.  TK is not going to leave AGR just because of one season.  He's been there for I think over 5 years.  No other team has 4 drivers, so you can't really compare AGR to Ganassi or Penske.  I'm very confident that AGR is going to work out their problems before next season.  

Answer 5

It was a safe move.

He's on the downside of his career( not saying he's "done" or too old ) but he's gonna be pushing 40 when this deal expires. Danica's deal expires next year and I'd hope to see her move along. We might even see AGR reduce their size as more teams and drivers move onto the IRL wagon. I'd like to see Marco move on, maybe Ganassi or Penske for Marco. That father /son thing is creepy and it can't be comfortable for some team members. I think MIchael and Marco would be more relaxed if they could separate the family from their jobs.

Who knows where Danica could go.As she cashes these big checks and still can't run up front she could soon be looking for a new sponsor.

Answer 6

Its the right decision for TK, he has said he plans on finishing his career at AGR, he is the Top Dog there, why leave, they are still competitive, he'll see more victory lanes. He is smart enough not pay any attention to the other 3 drama kids on the team..Maybe they all can grow up an be like TK. Yes, he did the right thing..

Go Helio

Answer 7

AGR just might look considerably different in the near future.