Mike Conway withdraws from oval racing, Wade Cunningham replaces for Fontana IndyCar race
| By Mark Glendenning |
Friday, September 14th 2012, 00:28 GMT |
 Mike Conway has withdrawn from this weekend's IndyCar season finale at Fontana after deciding that he no longer wishes to compete on ovals.
The Briton, who will be replaced by Wade Cunningham, acknowledged that his decision was difficult for both himself and for his AJ Foyt Racing team, but insists that he does not consider it the end of his career.
"I'm truly sorry for putting the team and our sponsors in a difficult position, but this is the hardest decision I have ever made in my racing career," said Conway.
"I've come to realise I'm not comfortable on the ovals and no longer wish to compete on them. I want to stress that I am not finished racing and to this end, I would love to continue with Foyt Racing, but that's something we need to discuss in the future."
Team director Larry Foyt said that he respected Conway's stance.
"Mike's been a great asset to our team, and I'm disappointed that we can't finish out the season together," he said. "However, it took a lot of courage for Mike to come forward and we respect him highly for that and we certainly want to honour his decision."
For Cunningham, who is based in Indianapolis, Fontana will mark his fifth IndyCar start, and his second with Foyt. He made his debut with the team in a second car alongside Conway at this year's Indy 500.
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