Marco Andretti hoping for a breakthrough year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -Marco Andretti is still waiting for a breakthrough year in the IndyCar Series.

At the ripe old age of 23.

Andretti hasn't won since his rookie season in 2006, though he finished a solid eighth in the points last season.

The third-generation driver said on Friday that he thinks the team has a lot more potential to finish on top. He has finished second and third in the Indianapolis 500 and boasts nearly $5 million in career earnings.

He'll turn 23 the day before the March 14 season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Father and team owner Michael Andretti said he saw his son start to mature in his approach to racing the middle of last year. He describes his expectations for Marco this season as “cautiously optimistic.”