Kanaan stays with Mo Nunn in 2002

Kanaan had been seriously tempted by an offer to join Kenny Brack at Target/Ganassi Racing, but Chip Ganassi's efforts to take over Kanaan's contract from Nunn were ultimately unsuccessful.

Kanaan, 26, has one Champ Car race win to his credit, at Michigan in 1999, and he is viewed as one of the CART series' strongest young talents. His 2002 ride will be sponsored by Pioneer Electronics and WorldCom.

"A key to success in the racing business is continuity," said Nunn, who will be entering his third year as a CART team owner. "Tony is a hard-charging young driver who was an ideal candidate to be our first driver, and we've developed an excellent working relationship the past two seasons.

"We exercised our option on the final year of his three-year contract with hopes that we can contend for the CART championship next season."

Kanaan said: "I'm very happy to be back with Morris so we can take care of some unfinished business and start winning races. We are still a relatively young team, but we've been knocking on the door more often than not this season. It's been a little frustrating because we have been so competitive, but I think a third season together is going to push us over the top, and I'll be very proud to do it wearing the colours of Pioneer and WorldCom.

"They've been so good to CART, as has Honda. We want to give Honda the best possible send-off from CART by helping them win another manufacturers' championship."