Drivers Stage Patrick Protest
Andretti Green Racing will hold an emergency meeting with IRL bosses this week after all four of the team's drivers boycotted last weekend's official autograph session - because Danica Patrick was given a separate queue for the second time this season
Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta all refused to take part in the official mandatory autograph session because of the way they believe IRL has continually promoted female rookie Patrick over other drivers, according to the Indianapolis Star.
The drivers staged their own hour-long autograph session at their teams merchandise trailer instead.
Andretti Green Racing's Kevin Savoree said: "It's a serious issue and we need to talk with league officials about it. We don't have an issue with Danica at all. She's a great young talent and she's proven it every weekend. But we've got some things to talk to the IRL about."
The incident has led to speculation that the team could suffer a points penalty. However league president Brian Barnhart said that would be highly unlikely.
Barnhart said: "This is a very serious situation because the autograph session is vitally important as we try to reach out to the fans. The attention Danica has drawn to this series, none of which she asked for, has risen the tide for all of our ships, and everyone needs to understand that."
Patrick, who has yet to finish on the podium in her ten IRL starts this season, has outshone Wheldon for media coverage since the Brit won the Indianapolis 500 event.
Since the female rookie finished fourth at May's Indy 500, she has appeared on IRL's selected driver weekly media teleconference more than any other.
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