More IndyCar News Odds & Ends
By Andrew Cutler
March 17 2009
Once again, I have a number of quick little news items that probably wouldn't make full "stand alone" articles by themselves, so I've lumped them togeather for your convenience.
POINTS SYSTEM CHANGE
The IRL has made a slight adjustment to the points system for the IndyCar Series for 2009, bringing it into line with the one used by the Firestone Indy Lights Series. Starting at St. Petersburg next month, the driver who captures the pole during qualifying will earn one championship point for his/her efforts. Leading the most laps on race day will now be worth only two points instead of three, as was the case last year. The rest of the points system will remain the same (see the left-side menu story "2009 Race Results/Points Standings" for the full breakdown).
WEBSITE UPGRADE
On March 24 the indycar.com website will get a new look, with plenty of improved features to - hopefully - make it more fan-friendly. There will be better access to multi-media functions, direct links to INDY DownForce (the official series fan club) and chances to participate in IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights fantasy leagues, just to name a few improvements.
GETTING CLOSER TO A DEAL?
I've discussed the ongoing attempts by drivers Justin Wilson and Ryan Hunter-Reay to secure a ride for 2009 in previous stories. Based on the entrant list for the last preseason test session, next Sunday & Monday at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds AL, things are looking up for both men. Wilson will be the sole driver present for the Dale Coyne Racing squad, and Hunter-Reay will be sharing seat time with EJ Viso for the HVM team.
While this is not the same as an official contract-signing announcement, I find it hard to believe that they would have been invited to participate unless discussions towards that end were deemed very likely to be successfully concluded soon.
Everybody please keep your fingers crossed: Both of these men deserve to be on the grid come April.