Canada's James Hinchcliffe of Newman/Haas Racing talks to his crew during a pit stop in the second practice run at the Edmonton Indy in Edmonton, Alberta, July 23, 2011. REUTERS/Todd KorolTODD KOROL/Reuters
James Hinchcliffe of Oakville, Ont., has some big shoes to fill.
The Canadian was named Danica Patrick's successor as driver of the No. 27 GoDaddy-sponsored Andretti Autosport car on Tuesday.
"I'm stepping into her heels, if you will," Hinchcliffe told USA Today. "But that's part of what makes this deal so exciting because they did such a good job with Danica and her Go Daddy Girl image.
"I hope this makes me the first Go Daddy Guy."
Hinchcliffe was IndyCar's 2011 Rookie of the Year while racing with Sprott Inc. Newman/Haas Racing.
The 25-year-old finished in the top 10 nine times last season, placing fourth three times.
"Thanks for the messages everyone!" tweeted Hinchcliffe. "Can't put into words how cool it is to be driving the #27 for (at)GoDaddy and (at)FollowAndretti!"