Tony Kanaan Headed to Gil De Ferran's Team To Replace Matos

After just recently learning of Chip Ganassi signing two more cars, one to be driven by Graham Rahal, now it appears that Gil de Ferran wants some time in the spotlight.

Gil de Ferran’s Izod IndyCar Series team has scheduled a Monday teleconference presumably to announce the signing of Tony Kanaan. Kanaan, a former pole winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be driving this season for another former pole winner at Indy.

Kanaan has been out of an IndyCar ride since striking a deal to be released from the final three years of his contract with Andretti Autosport. Kanaan joined Michael Andretti’s team when it moved to the Indy Racing League for the 2003 season.

De Ferran, who won three driving titles in his CART and IndyCar car plus the 2003 Indianapolis 500, joined the team owned by Steve Luczo and Jay Penske last year. Rafa Matos has been the team’s driver, but he is not expected to return.

Next season is going to be full of changes. Not only will T.K. sport a different ride for the first time since moving to the Indy Racing League in 2003, but many other drivers will be in different seats.

It was announced earlier in the week that Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball will be the drivers of Chip Ganassi's expanded Izod IndyCar Series program. Helio Castroneves and Team Penske have seen many changes in sponsorship this offseason, and it is clear that Dan Wheldon won't be returning to Panther racing to drive the National Guard car. That seat has already been filled by J.R. Hildebrand.

It looks like Wheldon could be the next "big signing" this offseason. With all of the driver, sponsor and car changes coming, this could be just what the sport needs. Maybe this could somehow get a new TV deal done for the future. The series obviously still has a contract with Vs, but things could be worked out for the future.

Panther Racing now has an American driver to field the National Guard car. Tony Kanaan is going to be working for Gil de Gerran, and Graham Rahal has a full-time ride for the distant future with Chip Ganassi.

Yes, this next season is going to be amazing.