<I>Two</I> Andrettis to contest 2006 Indy 500.

The lure of winning the Indianapolis 500 continues to exert a strong pull on Michael Andretti but, not content with fielding son Marco in an attempt to get the famous family name on the Borg-Warner Trophy, Andretti Sr also intends to make his Indycar Series comeback at the race next season.

Having confirmed that Marco would replace Dan Wheldon in the #26 car next year, Andretti Sr revealed that he would join his offspring in attempting to qualify for the 90th Indianapolis 500 next May. It will be the first time back in an Indycar for Andretti Sr, who hung up his helmet to concentrate on team management after leading, and then retiring from, the 2003 race. Michael will drive the Jim Beam/Vonage-backed Dallara-Honda alongside Marco's ArcaEx example in the IRL's blue riband event.

"I'm really looking forward to returning to Indy as one of the drivers on this team, and I'm excited about the chance to run with Marco," Andretti Sr said, "I think I'll have as good a shot as I've ever had at winning the 500, and I think I can also be a big help to Marco as he gets ready to make his first 500 start."

Should both father and son qualifying for the race - and few expect all 33 grid slots to be filled in 2006 - it will be the first time that two generations of the famed racing family race together in the 500 since 1994, when Michael's father Mario made his 29th and final start alongside his son.

"This announcement is an early Christmas present for fans of the 'greatest spectacle in racing," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Joie Chitwood, "The Andretti name is synonymous with auto racing, so it's only fitting that an Andretti - or make that two Andrettis - will be entered in the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.

"Michael is very public about his passion for both the 500 and the Speedway. Now, he will be able to share that passion with Marco in a way few others have experienced - by competing together on the track."