Scheckter

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Tomas Scheckter will replace two-time defending IRL champion Sam Hornish Jr. in the yellow Pennzoil Panther Racing car.

"Tomas has proved to be one of the fastest drivers in the IRL over the last two seasons, and we believe our driver development program will help showcase Tomas' true ability as a prolific race winner,'' Panther Racing co-owner John Barnes said.

Scheckter has led 934 laps in his two IRL seasons, seventh on the career lap leader chart. But he's won only once, and finished just 15 of his 27 races.

"This is a great situation,'' said Scheckter, who signed a two-year contact. "Pennzoil Panther knows how to win races, and I hope do that as well.''

Hornish is moving next season to Marlboro Team Penske to replace retiring driver Gil de Ferran, who is on the pole for Sunday's season-ending Chevy 500. Hornish is fourth in season points and still in contention for a third straight championship.

Scheckter, the 23-year-old son of former Formula One champion Jody Scheckter, won his only race as a rookie for the Red Bull Cheever team in 2001. He joined Target Chip Ganassi this season, and finished just two of his five races after leading 244 laps. He's had six top 10s since, including fifth the last two races.

Ganassi already signed Tony Renna for next year.