Grapevine: Patrick future speculation continues

Patrick, whose future has been the subject of speculation and rumour in recent weeks, wouldn't confirm or deny the report that she'll join AGR next season, saying it's not her call to announce a decision.

"I would love to give you news and tell you something interesting and exciting, but my decision and the things I have to do and what I decide to talk about are all done behind the scenes," she said.

"Outside of the conversations that nobody gets to hear, it's not my job to relay that information. It's the job of the person I drive for. Those are the people who have the ultimate power to say something, not me."

WXIN, the Fox affiliate in Indianapolis, reported last Sunday that Patrick had agreed to join AGR in 2007, citing unnamed sources. However, nobody from AGR, Rahal Letterman Racing or Patrick's camp has confirmed the report.

Patrick said at Milwaukee today that it was "safe to say" she wouldn't be going to NASCAR, but wouldn't verify or discredit the report about AGR.

"Whether it's my team or another team that gets to say something, it's them that will say it," Patrick said. "Obviously, I'm under contract until the end of the season. That's the priority. Rahal Letterman has the power to say what I'm going to do with them or without them."

As for NASCAR, Patrick said her "heart wasn't in it."

"We've fielded some offers and interest and everything, but it's not where my heart is right now," she said. "It's always good to check the interest and check out the whole scene."

AGR have two potential openings on their four-car team. Drivers Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta are nearing the end of their contracts and reportedly are interested in AGR's new American Le Mans Series sports-car team. The team's other two drivers, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti, are locked into multi-year contracts.

Team co-owner Michael Andretti fueled speculation last week by saying he "probably" would have interest in signing Patrick, given the right circumstances.

After Sunday's TV report aired, AGR officials said the team would not comment on any reports regarding Patrick. Rahal Letterman officials also declined to comment.