Jeff Simmons said the best way to honor the life of Paul Dana is to drive hard and promote renewable energy. On April 5, he'll begin working to that end source: indy500.com Rahal Letterman Racing announced April 4 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the selection of Simmons as driver of the No. 17 Team Ethanol Panoz/Honda/Firestone in the IndyCar® Series, beginning with the Indy Japan 300 on April 22 at Twin Ring Motegi and including the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28 at IMS. Simmons will succeed Dana, who lost his life in a practice accident March 26 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Simmons, 29, a native of East Granby, Conn., is one of the winningest drivers in Indy Pro Series history with seven wins, including a victory in the season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This past weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., he finished second and fourth in two races in the Kenn Hardley Racing car. In four Indy Pro Series seasons, Simmons twice finished as the championship runner-up, in 2003 and 2005. He also has made two IndyCar Series starts, including as a late entry with Mo Nunn Racing in the Indianapolis 500 in 2004. He finished 16th at Indy after starting 29th. "These are not the circumstances that I would like this opportunity to come about, but Paul had the same dreams as me," Simmons said. "Like him, this is what I've worked so long for. I just want to do my very best to promote the cause that Paul worked so hard for and do the best job I can in the car for Team Ethanol." Team co-owner Bobby Rahal said when principals were forced to look for a driver to continue the program, Simmons was at the top of the list.
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