Homestead, Fla. ? A year ago, Michael Andretti was wrestling with the difficulties of being a first-year driver-owner in the Indy Racing League.

“I had to be thinking about getting in my car and racing, and about all the things that go into starting a team and putting three cars on the track, and it was all new,” Andretti said.

Heading into Sunday’s season-opening Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead Miami Speedway, Andretti, now retired from driving, is only dealing with the problems of running the team, which expanded to four cars.

“We think having a fourth car out there is going to hopefully be an advantage,” Andretti, who co-owns Andretti Green Racing with Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, said. “The challenge is going to be the organization, keeping it managed.”

Tony Kanaan, who kept AGR in the championship chase last year until the final race, returns. So does Dan Wheldon, who replaced Andretti and was the IRL’s top rookie. Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta are the other drivers.

“I think we have a strong year ahead of us,” Kanaan said.