INDIANAPOLIS - Tony Kanaan's resume reads like that of a champion. In three full seasons on the IRL circuit, he has won six races, a series points championship and an Indianapolis 500 pole.

On almost any other team, those accomplishments and Kanaan's good-natured personality would make him the undisputed marquee driver.

But last year, Kanaan settled for a backup role to teammate Dan Wheldon, who dominated the circuit and claimed the biggest prize by winning the Indianapolis 500.

Now things are back to normal. With Wheldon cashing in on his success by jumping to Target Chip Ganassi this season, Kanaan has reclaimed his role as the face of Andretti Green Racing.

"It's never really anybody's team," Kanaan said in a rare serious moment. "Whoever is doing the best becomes the leader. But we're not here to be the team leader, we're here to win championships."

Kanaan, a prominent prankster, relishes the more serious side of racing ¡ª his role on the team and what it takes to win.

When he's not dreaming up new practical jokes for his teammates, he works relentlessly on his treadmill, mountain bike or other fitness equipment. When he's not clowning his way through media interviews, he meets with teammates and engineers to fine tune his No. 11 car.

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