Patrick

CHICAGO — New team. Same circuit.

Danica Patrick is making a move, but she's staying with the Indy Racing League — for now. A switch to NASCAR will have to wait.

Though she isn't ready to give up the speed of open-wheel racers for the popularity of stock cars, Patrick wants a change.

One of the IRL's most popular drivers in years signed Tuesday with Andretti Green Racing, which has produced two straight series champions and last year's Indy 500 winner.

"They're a very good team," Patrick said. "They have won races and championships the last couple of years. As a driver, that's something that sticks out and is something I want to be a part of."

Her current contract with Rahal Letterman Racing expires at the end of the season, and she toyed with the idea of joining NASCAR — a possibility she left open for the future.

"NASCAR is not out for good," she said. "It's out for right now."

Patrick said at a news conference her "heart and soul" are with the IRL, so she's staying. She will start driving for the team led by Michael Andretti in 2007.

Patrick burst on the scene in 2005 when she nearly won the pole at the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, then went on to become the first woman to lead laps at the Brickyard and finished fourth. She was also named IndyCar rookie of the year.