Simmons confirmed at Rahal

During a press conference to kick off the annual Indianapolis 500 media tour at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Simmons said he would do his best to honor Dana's memory and continue the marketing project he helped to build.

"We had the same dream," Simmons said. "It has had a deep, profound impact on me emotionally how this came about. I just want to do whatever I can to honor Paul's memory."

The 29-year-old native of East Granby, Conn., has seven victories in the IRL Indy Pro Series and two starts in the IndyCar Series, including a 16th-place finish in the 2004 Indy 500 for Mo Nunn Racing.

He won the Pro Series season opener March 26, hours after Dana was killed at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"Jeff has a great deal of potential and a very bright future," team co-owner Bobby Rahal said. "It's unfortunate under these circumstances that he joins our team, but I think he's the perfect choice to carry on the Ethanol program that Paul initiated."

Dana, 30, died of multiple trauma when his car crashed into Ed Carpenter's during the final practice session before the IRL season opener at Homestead.

Simmons became one of the top candidates for Ethanol, which wanted an American driver and someone who shared Dana's ability to represent the program.

Both of Simmons' previous IndyCar races were last-minute deals.

After the 500 with Nunn, he was a last-minute sub at Kansas Speedway with Patrick Racing. "This is the only way I know how to do it," said Simmons, who will begin racing later this month at Motegi. "The last two times, I was right into the car and out on the racetrack."