George ‘Hopeful for open-wheel stability’

Team Green has joined Penske Racing and Target/GanassiRacing in filing entries for the 85th running of the famous race.

"We're very excited and happy that [Team Green boss] Barry Green and Michael Andretti have been able to put this deal together," said George. "Everyone has to accept this for what it is, which is the return of Barry Green as a team owner and Michael Andretti as a driver.

"I think a lot of fans are intrigued by that and excited by that, and we at the Speedway share in that intrigue and excitement. We were very happy when Chip Ganassi brought his team, sponsors and drivers to the Speedway last year. Hopefully this is the signal that things are starting to stabilise in the sport of open-wheel racing."

George also said that he hoped that the trend set by Green, Ganassi and CART champions Penske would lead to more participation from other leading CART teams.

"I think we all know a little bit more about each other, what we stand for and what our philosophies are, and hopefully we can co-exist," he said. "It has always been my hope that anyone who wants to compete at the Indianapolis 500 or the Indy Racing League could have the opportunity to do that and to feel like they're welcome to do that. I think that it's going to be an exciting month of May, and one that I personally look forward to."