Carroll to make debut at Watkins Glen

Andretti Autosport recently announced that it had signed the former Formula 1 test driver, who also took Ireland to the final A1GP title, for a partial programme in the second half of the 2010 season, and has now chosen the classic road course as the venue for his first appearance.

"It's a great way to start my career in America," said Carroll, who will test at Watkins Glen before the race. "It couldn't be any better. I've waited a long time, and I'm eventually here, so it's all happening."

The 27-year-old Northern Irishman said he already felt settled in Michael Andretti's team and on the US scene.

"I felt comfortable right away," said Carroll. "I think that is one of the things that really helped this deal come together. This team is ultimate professionals and really good people.

"Coming from Europe - it is completely cut-throat there. It doesn't matter really how much talent you've got. It's all to do with money. To come here is like a breath of fresh air. I'm working with some good people. Finally, I am on the road, like Ryan [Hunter-Reay], and I hope I have a good career."

Carroll raced against the Andretti team in A1GP, where it ran Team USA.

"We've been watching him for some time and think he is a real talent," said Michael Andretti. "Even more important, he's a great guy. And when you have a team the size of ours, you have to have the right personalities, and I think Adam is going to be perfect for that. He fits right in with our family. I can't wait to get him in the race car."

It is not yet clear whether Carroll will be in a fourth or a fifth Andretti Autosport entry. Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Danica Patrick all have full-season deals, but Long Beach winner Hunter-Reay currently only has funding through to the Texas race next month.

Andretti is optimistic that Hunter-Reay can be kept on.

"We're working on it, but right now [the contract] is just through Texas," he said. "But there is a lot of action going on with the #37 car. [General manager] John Lopes and the boys are working hard, and hopefully we will get this thing done. We are really trying hard, and we have a lot of good things happening."