IndyCar shakeup: Edwards moves to Andretti

The IndyCar shakeup continues, but this portion of it is outside the cockpit.

Following the departure of longtime team director Kyle Moyer to Team Penske, Andretti Autosport has hired Rob Edwards from Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Edwards becomes Andretti Autosport's director of race operations and engineering, effectively immediately, the team confirmed Monday.

Under Edwards' direction, the team co-owned by Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson won four races over the past two seasons with Simon Pagenaud driving the No. 77 car. Pagenaud signed with Roger Penske's team last fall. James Hinchcliffe, formerly with Andretti, was hired as Pagenaud's replacement.

Edwards also worked for Schmidt when the team helped with Dan Wheldon's Indianapolis 500-winning entry.

"His experience in racing will be valuable in moving our organization forward across multiple racing platforms," Michael Andretti said in a statement.

In confirming Edwards' hiring, Andretti's team said George Klotz will remain team manager of the IndyCar program with Dave Popielarz (Indy Lights) and Fran Reilly (Pro Mazda) the other team managers.

Edwards won't have to move as both teams are based in Indianapolis.

Andretti Autosport is the reigning champion of the Indianapolis 500, having fielded the No. 28 car of Ryan Hunter-Reay last May. The team has won the 500 three times since 2005 with three different drivers: Wheldon in 2005, Dario Franchitti in 2007 and Hunter-Reay last year.