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Wheldon Wants Number '1'

Dan Wheldon has dropped another hint that he would be staying in IRL and driving for Andretti Green Racing next season, when the new IndyCar Champion revealed he intends to run the number '1' on his car in 2006

Wheldon and Andretti Green have been negotiating a new contract over the last two months, with both sides admitting the new deal is all but signed.

Wheldon stated that he wants to see his car carry the #1, despite six of the ten previous Champions electing not to wear the number.

Scott Sharp, Tony Stewart, Greg Ray and Scott Dixon all chose to have number '1' on their cars when they defended their titles but last year's Champion Tony Kanaan continues to run number 11 on his car this season.

Wheldon, who secured his title last month at Watkins Glen, said: "In England, if you win the Championship, that enables you to run the No. 1 the following year, and you do it because it somewhat takes the value of winning the Championship away if you're not going to use the No. 1.

"That's how it's perceived, certainly with the people I know in Europe. My intention would be to run it if I'm allowed. Certainly that's what I'm going to push for."

Although Wheldon considers himself superstitious, the Briton said he doesn't fear any jinx should he wear the number.

"I know it certainly didn't fare well for Scott Dixon, but I don't think that was through any fault of his own," Wheldon said.

"That year, things didn't go their way. They had some bad luck. I don't think that was down to Scott."

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