2009 IndyCar Series
| 2009 {{{series}}} season | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Season | |
| Races | 18 |
| Start date | April 5 |
| End date | October 11 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion | TBA |
| Teams' champion | TBA |
| Rookie of the Year | TBA |
| Indianapolis 500 winner | TBA |
The 2009 IndyCar Series in DirecTV HD season will be the 14th season of the IndyCar Series. Its premier event will be the 93rd Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 24. The 18-race season will begin in April. All races will be broadcast on ABC[1] or Versus in HD.
On July 30, 2008 the 2009 schedule for the IndyCar Series was officially released.[2] New to the schedule are the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and the Toronto Indy, with the Firestone Indy 200 at Nashville Superspeedway being removed to make way for the new events.
2009 IndyCar Series schedule
Schedule details
- The IndyCar Series was in discussions with the Nikon Indy 300 promoters about a date for 2009, possibly taking place after the Indy Japan 300.[3]
- All times are EDT and are subject to change.[4]
- Race names and sponsors are subject to change
Long-term schedule development
- The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will return through 2013.[5]
- The Milwaukee Mile will host a race the weekend immediately following the Indy 500 through at least 2009.[6]
- Iowa Speedway has been renewed through 2009.[7]
- Texas Motor Speedway signed a two-year contract extension through 2009.[8]
- The Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi is contracted through 2009.
- Mid-Ohio signed a three-year deal through 2009.[9]
- Surfer's Paradise signed a six-year contract to continue the race through 2013.[10]
- Infineon Raceway signed an extension through the 2011 season.
- Camping World signed a four-year deal to sponsor the race at Watkins Glen through 2010, assuming it returns.
- An agreement has been signed with the city of Long Beach to extend the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach to 2015 with an option through 2020.
Possible races
- A return to Phoenix had been under consideration. It did not happen for 2008, nor 2009.[11] The only non-conflicting race date offered to the IndyCar Series was a Thursday night in April, two nights before the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
- On October 12, 2007, the IndyCar Series conducted an open test at Barber Motorsports Park. Track officials indicated they were exploring a race for 2009.[12]
- On February 26, 2008, it was announced that Champ Car would merge into the IndyCar Series. Champ Car's dates at Long Beach, Edmonton, and Australia were added to the 2008 schedule. Additional races for 2009 could include Toronto, Mexico City, Cleveland and others.
- Following the 2008 unification, Road America management has expressed interest in becoming part of the 2009 schedule.[13]
- Speedway Motorsports, Inc. offered the IRL a five facility deal for the 2009 season.[14] Additional tracks added would be Las Vegas and Loudon. Las Vegas has been suggested as the season finale, and would be coupled with the awards banquet already scheduled for a resort on The Strip.[15] Existing events at Texas, Kentucky, and Sonoma would all continue. New Hampshire track management had already publicly expressed interest in a IndyCar Series race.[16] and is more likely for 2010.[17]
- Curt Cavin blogged in the Indianapolis Star, reporting[18]
- 15 "locks" (Indy, St. Pete, Kansas, Long Beach, Milwaukee, Texas, Iowa, Richmond, Watkins Glen, Toronto, Mid-Ohio, Edmonton, Kentucky, Detroit, Chicago)
- Four "highly likely" (Homestead, Infineon, Japan, Australia)
- Two "possibles" (Loudon, Las Vegas)
- Nashville is feared out.
- No information regarding Birmingham, California, Cleveland, Houston, Laguna Seca, Mexico City, Michigan, Portland, or Road America.
- 18 or 19 total races
Presumptive Team and Driver Chart
Series news
- Firestone will offer multiple tire compounds beginning in 2009 on road and street courses for teams. It is likely this will operate somewhat like Champ Car's option tire program.[19]
Team and Driver News
- Penske Racing: Helio Castroneves has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Penske Racing and will remain in the IndyCar Series.[20] On October 2, 2008, Castroneves was faced with a federal indictment, charged with six counts of tax evasion. It is unclear if it will affect his 2009 racing plans.[21]
- Chip Ganassi Racing: 2007 IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti will return from NASCAR and drive the #10 Target Car for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009. Franchitti replaces Dan Wheldon. Target will also return in 2009 as primary sponsor of both the #9 and #10 cars. [22] Ganassi is also working on a deal to run a 3rd car for 2007 Indy Lights Champion Alex Lloyd[23]
- Andretti Green Racing: Tony Kanaan has signed a 5-year extension with the team and will remain in the IndyCar Series. [24]. Team owner Michael Andretti confirmed that all four AGR drivers will return in 2009. Danica Patrick and Hideki Mutoh are under contract for the 2009, and son Marco Andretti is finalizing a two-year extension.[24] There is talk of the team running a fifth car for 2008 Firestone Indy Lights Champion Raphael Matos or for current ALMS driver Franck Montagny.[25]
- Forsythe Racing: Former Champ Car team Forsythe Racing intends to race in the IndyCar Series in 2009, and are close (95%) to finalizing programs according to team manager Ken Siweck.[26]
- HVM Racing: HVM Racing owner Keith Wiggins told the Detroit Free Press that the team is looking to run 2 cars in 2009 and they have a driver in mind for the 2nd seat.[27] A later article on indycar.com confirmed that the team is undergoing a planned expansion that includes a 2nd ICS car.[28]
- Panther Racing: Dan Wheldon has signed a multi-year contract with Panther Racing and will replace Vitor Meira in the #4 car.[29] Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson and current GP2 driver Mike Conway are under consideration for a second seat for 2009, provided Panther obtains the proper funding.
- A. J. Foyt Enterprises: Vitor Meira has replaced Darren Manning in the #14 car.[30]. The team is attempting to run a second car for 2009 with a possible driver being Franck Perera.
- KV Racing: The future of the team is uncertain if the Surfer's Paradise race is not picked up in 2009, according to co-owner Jimmy Vasser. Kevin Kalkhoven has not committed to continuing the team in 2009.[31]. Craig Gore, owner of major sponsor Aussie Vineyards has stated he will pull his sponsorship of the KV team if the Australian race does not continue. [32]
- Vision Racing: Team owner Tony George has confirmed that both Ed Carpenter and A. J. Foyt IV will return in 2009.[25]
- Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing: Driver Justin Wilson has not been told if his contract will be renewed for 2009. [25]. Graham Rahal's option has been picked up for 2009 and he will return.[33].
- Conquest Racing: The team issued a press release stating they are preparing for the 2009 season and have "confirmed their long-term commitment to the IndyCar Series".[34]. A marketing brochure on the team's official site states that "Conquest Racing will field two cars in the 2009 IndyCar Series. With Alex Tagliani, the team will have a wily veteran with the experience and commitment to continue moving the team forward. Joining Tagliani will be a driver of equal gift and grit to round out a balanced driver package."[35]
- 2007 Champ Car Rookie of the Year Robert Doornbos has told the Dutch paper De Telegraaf that he has a ride lined up with a "good" IndyCar Series team for 2009.[36]
- 2008 GP2 Series Champion Giorgio Pantano is strongly considering returning to the IndyCar Series if he does not get a good Formula 1 offer.[37]
- Sarah Fisher Racing: Owner/driver Sarah Fisher plans on competing in all ten oval-track races in the 2009 season and possibly others. Negotiations are ongoing with Dollar General and other sponsors to obtain funding.[38]
- Curb/Agajanian/3G Racing: Curb/Agajanian/3G Racing(3 Guys Racing) is a new team owned by Beck Motorsports owner Greg Beck, NASCAR driver Stanton Barrett, Mike Curb and Cary Agajanian of Curb Agajanian Motorsports and sports marketer Steve Sudler. Barrett will drive a full-time entry for the new team in 2009 sponsored by interush.net.[39]
- Luczo-Dragon Racing: Luczo-Dragon has signed 2008 Firestone Indy Lights Champion Raphael Matos to a multi-year contract. Matos will race a full-time entry for the team in 2009. [40]
- Roth Racing: Roth Racing has closed its doors and will not return in the 2009 season.[41]
- Rubicon Race Team: Curt Cavin reported on the "Trackside" radio show that Rubicon had lined up19 sponsors worth approximately $6.5 Million with a view to run a full season in 2009.
External links
References
- ^ "FAQ's about the TV deal". IndyCar.com. 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12175
- ^
"An interview with Terry Angstadt, Brian Barnhart, Kevin". IndyCar.com. 2008-07-30. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^
"TV Guide". IndyCar.com. 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-12-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Event Extension". indycar.com. 2008-04-06. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Tradition restored". IndyCar.com. 2006-08-10. Retrieved 2007-08-28.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Iowa encores". IndyCar.com. 2007-08-16. Retrieved 2007-08-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Texas, IRL agree". IndyStar.com. 2007-08-28. Retrieved 2007-08-28.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ >"Honda, Acura to sponsor 2007 Mid-Ohio races". Motorsport.com. 2006-11-21. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "It's Official! IndyCars To Race At Gold Coast Australia For Next Six Years races". PaddockTalk.com. 2008-03-04. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Curt Cavin Ask the Expert - Sept. 4: On Rice, Danica, Dixon, Scheckter". IndyStar.com. 2007-09-04. Retrieved 2007-09-05.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Star drivers to test at Barber". The Birmingham News. 2007-10-02. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Road America hopes to stay in the loop". JSOnline.com. 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "If attendance remains strong, Cup dates in Loudon should be safe". espn.com. 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Indy Racing League '09 finale may be at LVMS". LasVegasSun.com. 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Kevin Provencher's Motorsports Notebook: Track's new GM hopes to lure Indy cars back". UnionLeader.com. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Organizers eye IndyCar racing return to N.H." BostonHeUnionLeader.com. 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Curt Cavin Ask the Expert - July 9: On Gordon and the 2009 schedule". IndyStar.com. 2007-07-08. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Decorated sidewalls coming to IndyCar Series". IndyStar.com. 2008-08-24. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Castroneves agrees to multiyear deal with Penske". IndyStar.com. 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Castroneves, sister, attorney indicted on tax charges". ESPN.com. 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Driver Musical Chairs". IndyCar.com. 2008-09-02. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Ganassi works on deal to bring on Lloyd". IndyStar.com. 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Forsythe plan IRL and ALMS for '09". indystar.com. 2008-08-08. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Cite error: The named reference "Andretti Green keeps Tony Kanaan" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ a b c "F-1 returning? George just shrugs". indystar.com. 2008-09-08. Retrieved 2008-09-08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Forsythe plan IRL and ALMS for '09". autosport.com. 2008-07-19. Retrieved 2008-07-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Young team thrives on confidence". freep.com. 2008-08-31. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "New partnership". indycar.com. 2008-09-07. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Franchitti in, Wheldon out". IndyCar.com. 2008-09-02. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Fresh start". indycar.com. 2008-09-25. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "KV Racing faces an uncertain future". Indystar.com. 2008-09-07. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Gore key to future of Indy". goldcoast.com.au. 2008-09-09. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Robin Miller's Mailbag for September 16". speedtv.com. 2008-09-16. Retrieved 2008-09-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Conquest Racing looks toward 2009". motorsport.com. 2008-09-19. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Conquest Racing 2009" (PDF). conquestracing.com. 2008-09-04. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Rumor has it... Doornbos edition". openwheelworld.net. 2008-08-31. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "GP2: Pantano Back to America?". speedtv.com. 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Fisher racing to sign sponsors". ibj.com. 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "INDYCAR: Barrett Changes Direction". speedtv.com. 2008-09-25. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Promotion Day". indycar.com. 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Canada's Roth splits with Indy". wheels.ca (Toronto Star). 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)