Kanaan's experience has been a big benefit to teammates like Marco Andretti. (LAT photo) » More Photos

But replacing Kanaan figures to be tough sledding for Michael Andretti, Kim Green and Kevin Savoree. Since joining AGR in 2002, the aggressive Brazilian has scored 13 wins, captured one title, led 2,478 laps and been the class of the field at Indianapolis twice without making it to victory lane. Besides being one of the best racers in IndyCar, T.K. has also been invaluable off the track -- helping Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Hideki Mutoh with setups, strategies and techniques.

However, since last May, when he felt Andretti forced him into the gray and then into the wall early during the Indy 500, Kanaan has not felt appreciated by his teammates. Two weeks ago at Edmonton, when he had to start last due to an engine change, T.K. was coming up through the field only to be stuck behind Andretti and Patrick (both a second a lap slower). Despite orders from team manager Kyle Moyer and Michael Andretti, Patrick and Andretti refused to move over for Kanaan. They eventually tangled, allowed him past, but there was a angry team meeting afterwards.

It’s believed AGR had offered Kanaan a multi-year deal with a deadline earlier this month.

AGR recently signed ex-F1 test driver Franck Montagny for its ALMS team, but many believed it was a backup plan in case Kanaan was not resigned.