Marco Andretti has signed a 2-year contract to remain with his father’s IndyCar team, Andretti Autosport. It is believed that the Dr Pepper Snapple group will be the primary sponsor once again on his number 25 car beginning next season. He is more mature, and incredibly focused on his future. While next year will be Marco’s 9th season in the series, he is still only 26 years old.

After such a disappointed season in 2012, Marco has rebounded nicely with what has arguably been his best season in IndyCar. Heading into the season-finale at Auto Club Speedway, Marco sits in 5th place in the championship standings. He has been near the top of the standings all season long, despite not having won a race this year.

If Simon Pagenaud were to have some trouble in the final race, and Marco finishes high enough, he could leapfrog Justin Wilson and finish the season in 3rd place. It’s a far cry from his disastrous season a year ago, and a sign of things to come for Andretti Autosport. The team will likely announce the deal before the final race of the season in Fontana.