Andretti Autosport set for Sonoma Infineon event

ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT PREPARED FOR A STRONG SHOWING AT PICTURESQUE INFINEON RACEWAY THIS WEEKEND

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport

Photo by: IndyCar Series

SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2011) - Ryan Hunter-Reay looks to continue his podium streak this weekend at Infineon Raceway when the IZOD IndyCar Series returns to the wine country for the 13th round of the 17-race campaign, the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma set for Sunday, Aug. 28.

Hunter-Reay, official winner of the New Hampshire race on Aug. 14, has totaled 146 points in the past four races to vault from 15th in points to eighth with five races remaining in the 2011 trail. Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon have scored 140 points in the same time frame.

Hunter-Reay, with third place finishes at Toronto and Mid-Ohio road circuits in the No. 28 Team DHL/Circle K/Sun Drop Citrus Soda machine, is anxious to come to the picturesque Napa Valley road course after a solid testing run last week. The Florida native has scored three consecutive top-ten finishes the last three races at Infineon Raceway including fourth in 2008.

The Andretti connection to Northern California racing dates back to 1983 when team president and CEO Michael Andretti won the Formula Atlantic race in Sonoma. He also won three CART races (1987, 1991 and 1992) at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.

Marco Andretti, currently seventh in the IZOD IndyCar Series point standings, has a fond spot for the Napa Valley also. Not only is his grandfather Mario's winery nearby, Andretti scored his first IndyCar victory at Infineon Raceway in 2006 at the famed 2.3-mile, 12-turn track. Andretti took his second career win earlier this year at Iowa on the small oval with the No. 26 Team All Natural Snapple car.

Another Andretti Autosport winner this year, Mike Conway seeks another impressive run with the No. 27 Team @FollowAndretti entry at Sonoma after he recorded his first podium finish at Infineon Raceway in 2009, a third place in his rookie season. Conway won the prestigious Long Beach Grand Prix in April.

Danica Patrick, one of only five drivers to have raced in all six previous IZOD IndyCar Series at Infineon Raceway, has scored three top-ten finishes at the legendary road circuit. The driver of the No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com car has a best of sixth in the 2007 Sonoma race.

MARCO ANDRETTI, #26 TEAM ALL NATURAL SNAPPLE CAR

"I hope we can get back to the winners circle at Sonoma, where I got my first IndyCar win. It was very memorable for me and I'm hungry to do it again. We'll be working hard to make it happen for the Snapple team."

MIKE CONWAY, #27 TEAM @FOLLOWANDRETTI CAR

"I always love going to Sonoma. It's a really good circuit with lots of different corners and challenges through one lap. Our test last week went pretty well, and I think we know what we have to improve on. I have had good race results there in the past so hopefully we can continue that form this weekend."

RYAN HUNTER-REAY, #28 TEAM DHL/CIRCLE K/SUN DROP CITRUS SODA CAR

"Well, I'm glad the New Hampshire situation is behind us. That was kind of hanging over us going into the Sonoma race. Now, I can concentrate on the Infineon road course and look for another victory. We have been strong on the road courses lately with podiums at Toronto and Mid-Ohio. Plus we should have had one at Edmonton too. Infineon is a tough track, fast and physical on a driver, but very fun to drive. We tested recently there and we learned some things for race weekend. I'm anxious to get back there with the Team DHL/Circle K/Sun Drop Citrus Soda machine. I think we have a good shot again to reach the top of the podium."

DANICA PATRICK, #7 TEAM GoDaddy.com CAR

"I always enjoy competing in Sonoma. The track provides a great challenge for the drivers with variations in elevation and different types of corners. We always seem to have exciting races there, and I'm sure the GoDaddy.com team will able to put on a great show for the fans this weekend. Aside from the on-track excitement, it's always great to be in Northern California. Wine country is one of my favorite places to visit, so I always make sure I carve time to explore something new when I'm up there."