source:
crash.net
Andretti Green Racing has hired former Champ Car vice president of operations
John Lopes to the role of team vice president ahead of their 2005 IRL IndyCar
Series Championship defence.
Lopes, a 15-year veteran of the Motorsports industry, will officially join AGR
today (Monday 10th) at their Indianapolis base.
In his new role with the team, Lopes' primary focus will be business
development, including new sponsor acquisition, special projects, administration
and management services.
The announcement comes as Andretti Green prepares for the 2005 Indy Racing
League IndyCar Series season, where it will look to defend the championship it
won in 2004. The team will once again field a league-high four Honda-powered
entries during the 17-race IndyCar Series season, which begins on March 6th at
the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"To say that we're thrilled to have John join Andretti Green is an
understatement," said Kevin Savoree, who owns the team along with partners
Michael Andretti and Kim Green. "Michael, Kim and I have always had great
respect for John and all the intangibles he brings with him. Personally and
professionally, guys of John's calibre are very hard to find."
Lopes served as Champ Car's executive vice president of operations from 2001 and
stayed with the series through some of its most uncertain times.