Patrick Staying In IndyCar Series

IndyCar star Danica Patrick says she has not been contacted by anyone from the new American Formula One team and has no plans to leave the IndyCar Series.

Ken Anderson, one of the principals in the team that will be formally announced next week in Charlotte, N.C., has said Patrick is a candidate to fill one of the team's seats.

In a phone interview, Patrick says she's flattered by the team's interest but happy where she is.

"You know, it starts with a phone call, and I haven't heard anything," says Patrick, a fan favorite who won her first IndyCar race last year in Japan. "It's funny how these things get going. But I'm happy driving in the IndyCar Series. I'm happy in North America."

Burton Set For 'Hospital' Role

NASCAR star Jeff Burton traded his fire suit and helmet Thursday for an appearance on the ABC soap opera "General Hospital." The Richard Childress Racing driver took part in scenes with actor Jason Thompson's character, neurosurgeon Patrick Drake. Drake is an avid fan of racing on the award-winning series.

"I've been in commercials and was a guest star on a sitcom a couple of years ago, so I'm hoping those appearances prepped me for my soap opera debut," Burton said. "Luckily, I get to play myself and talk racing, which will help take some of the pressure off."

Burton's appearance is scheduled to air in mid-March.

Mayfield Crew Member Suspended

A crew member for Jeremy Mayfield's team has been suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR's new substance abuse policy.

Paul Chodora failed a mandatory test Feb. 11 at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR said this week. He's the first person punished under a policy that went into effect this season.

"We as an organization appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall," Mayfield said in a statement.

"If Paul doesn't comply with NASCAR's reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports."

The Associated Press

Quotable

"You could do that. You could also go to sleep."

- NASCAR team owner and alternative-fuel proponent Jack Roush, above, on the prospect of racing silent, electric-powered cars