2009 IndyCar Series season

IndyCar seasons
year = 2009
series_
races = 18
start_date = April 5
end_date = October 11
season_champ = TBA
champ_team = TBA
rookie_of_year = TBA
most_popular = TBA
indy_winner = TBA
previous = 2008
next = 2010The 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 ABCcite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12218 |title=FAQ's about the TV deal |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=2008-08-07 |accessdate=2008-08-07 ] or Versus in HD.

On July 30, 2008 the 2009 schedule for the IndyCar Series was officially released. [http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12175] 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

chedule 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.cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12179
title=An interview with Terry Angstadt, Brian Barnhart, Kevin
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2008-07-30
accessdate=2008-07-30] However, government sources claim the race to be "dead" after 2008 due to date conflicts.cite news |url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/10/08/17239_gold-coast-indy.html
title=Ciobo declares Indy 'dead'
publisher=Goldcoast.com
date=2008-10-08
accessdate=2008-10-09]
*All times are EDT and are subject to change.cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=10307
title=TV Guide
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2007-12-12
accessdate=2007-12-12]
*Race names and sponsors are subject to change

Long-term schedule development

*The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will return through 2013.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=10903
title=Event Extension
publisher=indycar.com
date=2008-04-06
accessdate=2008-04-06]
*The Milwaukee Mile will host a race the weekend immediately following the Indy 500 through at least 2009.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7314
title=Tradition restored
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2006-08-10
accessdate=2007-08-28]
*Iowa Speedway has been renewed through 2009.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=9720
title=Iowa encores
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2007-08-16
accessdate=2007-08-17]
*Texas Motor Speedway signed a two-year contract extension through 2009.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070828/SPORTS0107/708280366/1052/SPORTS01
title=Texas, IRL agree
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2007-08-28
accessdate=2007-08-28]
*The Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi is contracted through 2009.
*Mid-Ohio signed a three-year deal through 2009.>cite news
url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/SPORTS16/709020654/1048/SPORTS
title=Honda, Acura to sponsor 2007 Mid-Ohio races
publisher=Motorsport.com
date=2006-11-21
accessdate=2007-09-20]
*Surfer's Paradise signed a six-year contract to continue the race through 2013.cite news
url=http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=78343&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
title=It's Official! IndyCars To Race At Gold Coast Australia For Next Six Years races
publisher=PaddockTalk.com
date=2008-03-04
accessdate=2008-03-04]
*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. [cite news
url=http://blogs.indystar.com/racingexpert/
title=Curt Cavin Ask the Expert - Sept. 4: On Rice, Danica, Dixon, Scheckter
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2007-09-04
accessdate=2007-09-05] 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.cite news
url =http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1191313223257540.xml&coll=2
title =Star drivers to test at Barber
publisher =The Birmingham News
date = 2007-10-02
accessdate = 2007-10-17]
*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.cite news
url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=730578
title=Road America hopes to stay in the loop
publisher=JSOnline.com
date=2008-03-20
accessdate=2008-04-07]
*Speedway Motorsports, Inc. offered the IRL a five facility deal for the 2009 season.cite news
url=http://proxy.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=blount_terry&page=BlountsBlitz
title=If attendance remains strong, Cup dates in Loudon should be safe
publisher=espn.com
date=2008-06-24
accessdate=2008-06-24] 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.cite news
url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/now-and-then/2008/jun/30/indy-racing-league-09-finale-may-be-lvms/
title=Indy Racing League ‘09 finale may be at LVMS
publisher=LasVegasSun.com
date=2008-06-30
accessdate=2008-07-08] Existing events at Texas, Kentucky, and Sonoma would all continue. New Hampshire track management had already publicly expressed interest in a IndyCar Series race.cite news
url=http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Kevin+Provencher%27s+Motorsports+Notebook%3a+Track%27s+new+GM+hopes+to+lure+Indy+cars+back&articleId=3fda0fb1-7e94-4f23-9a18-2f3e6ac8c6a7
title=Kevin Provencher's Motorsports Notebook: Track's new GM hopes to lure Indy cars back
publisher=UnionLeader.com
date=2008-05-11
accessdate=2008-05-12] and is more likely for 2010.cite news
url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/other_sports/auto_racing/view.bg?articleid=1100450&srvc=othersports&position=2
title=Organizers eye IndyCar racing return to N.H.
publisher=BostonHeUnionLeader.com
date=2008-06-12
accessdate=2008-06-13]
*Curt Cavin blogged in the "Indianapolis Star", reporting [cite news
url=http://blogs.indystar.com/racingexpert/
title=Curt Cavin Ask the Expert - July 9: On Gordon and the 2009 schedule
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2007-07-08
accessdate=2007-07-08]
**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

eries 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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/SPORTS0107/808240390/1217/SPORTS0107
title=Decorated sidewalls coming to IndyCar Series
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2008-08-24
accessdate=2008-08-24]

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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/SPORTS/80704006
title=Castroneves agrees to multiyear deal with Penske
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2008-07-04
accessdate=2008-07-06] 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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/SPORTS/80704006
title=Castroneves, sister, attorney indicted on tax charges
publisher=ESPN.com
date=2008-10-03
accessdate=2008-10-03]
*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. cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12431
title=Driver Musical Chairs
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2008-09-02
accessdate=2008-09-02] Ganassi is also working on a deal to run a 3rd car for 2007 Indy Lights Champion Alex Lloydcite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080901/SPORTS0107/809010364/1217/SPORTS0107
title=Ganassi works on deal to bring on Lloyd
publisher=IndyStar.com
date=2008-09-01
accessdate=2008-09-01]
*Andretti Green Racing: Tony Kanaan has signed a 5-year extension with the team and will remain in the IndyCar Series. cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/SPORTS0107/808080440/1217/SPORTS0107
title=Forsythe plan IRL and ALMS for '09
publisher=indystar.com
date=2008-08-08
accessdate=2008-08-08] . 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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080825/SPORTS0107/808250361/1217/SPORTS0107
title=AGR will have same driver lineup in '09
publisher=indystar.com
date=2008-08-25
accessdate=2008-08-25] 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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/SPORTS0107/809080352/1217/SPORTS0107
title=F-1 returning? George just shrugs
publisher=indystar.com
date=2008-09-08
accessdate=2008-09-08]
*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.cite news
url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69310
title=Forsythe plan IRL and ALMS for '09
publisher=autosport.com
date=2008-07-19
accessdate=2008-07-19]
*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.cite news
url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080831/SPORTS16/808310486/1064
title=Young team thrives on confidence
publisher=freep.com
date=2008-08-31
accessdate=2008-08-31] A later article on indycar.com confirmed that the team is undergoing a planned expansion that includes a 2nd ICS car.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/pro/news/story.php?story_id=12476
title= New partnership
publisher=indycar.com
date=2008-09-07
accessdate=2008-09-07]
*Panther Racing: Dan Wheldon has signed a multi-year contract with Panther Racing and will replace Vitor Meira in the #4 car.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12431
title=Franchitti in, Wheldon out
publisher=IndyCar.com
date=2008-09-02
accessdate=2008-09-02] 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.cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12608
title=Fresh start
publisher=indycar.com
date=2008-09-25
accessdate=2008-09-25] . 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.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/SPORTS0107/809070401/1217/SPORTS0107
title=KV Racing faces an uncertain future
publisher=Indystar.com
date=2008-09-07
accessdate=2008-09-07] . 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. cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/SPORTS0107/809070401/1217/SPORTS0107
title=Gore key to future of Indy
publisher=goldcoast.com.au
date=2008-09-09
accessdate=2008-09-13]
*Vision Racing: Team owner Tony George has confirmed that both Ed Carpenter and A. J. Foyt IV will return in 2009.cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/SPORTS0107/809080352/1217/SPORTS0107
title=F-1 returning? George just shrugs
publisher=indystar.com
date=2008-09-08
accessdate=2008-09-08]
*Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing: Driver Justin Wilson has not been told if his contract will be renewed for 2009. cite news
url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/SPORTS0107/809080352/1217/SPORTS0107
title=F-1 returning? George just shrugs
publisher=indystar.com
date=2008-09-08
accessdate=2008-09-08] . Graham Rahal's option has been picked up for 2009 and he will return.cite news
url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/robin-millers-mailbag-for-september-16//P5/
title=Robin Miller’s Mailbag for September 16
publisher=speedtv.com
date=2008-09-16
accessdate=2008-09-17] .
*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".cite news
url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=308279&FS=INDYCAR
title=Conquest Racing looks toward 2009
publisher=motorsport.com
date=2008-09-19
accessdate=2008-09-19] . 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."cite news
url=http://www.conquestracing.com/documents/8002-Conquest-IRL-9-4-08.pdf
title=Conquest Racing 2009
publisher=conquestracing.com
date=2008-09-04
accessdate=2008-09-20]
*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.cite news
url=http://www.openwheelworld.net/us/news/6179/Rumor_has_it..._Doornbos_edition/
title=Rumor has it... Doornbos edition
publisher=openwheelworld.net
date=2008-08-31
accessdate=2008-08-31]
*2008 GP2 Series Champion Giorgio Pantano is strongly considering returning to the IndyCar Series if he does not get a good Formula 1 offer.cite news
url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/gp2-pantano-back-to-america/
title=GP2: Pantano Back to America?
publisher=speedtv.com
date=2008-09-15
accessdate=2008-09-15]
*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.cite news
url=http://thescore.ibj.com/blogshell.asp?p=508
title=Fisher racing to sign sponsors
publisher=ibj.com
date=2008-09-17
accessdate=2008-09-21]
*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.cite news
url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-barrett-changes-direction//P1/
title=INDYCAR: Barrett Changes Direction
publisher=speedtv.com
date=2008-09-25
accessdate=2008-09-25]
*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. cite news
url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12668
title=Promotion Day
publisher=indycar.com
date=2008-10-07
accessdate=2008-10-07]
*Roth Racing: Roth Racing has placed its assets for sale and likely will shut its doors after completion of the last 2008 season race.

External links

* [http://www.indycar.com Indy Racing League- official site]
* [http://www.indy500.com Indianapolis 500 - official site]
* [http://www.indystar.com Indianapolis Star]

References