Good news to come for the IRL

[Birdman5700]

Speedtv.com's Robin Miller put an artical with alot of good news if it all comes ture, I think Miller is the most reliable sources in the sport, so I trust what he says.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-helio-out-penske-naming-successor-this-week-says-miller//P1/


* Team Penske announcing Helio Castroneves' replacement for 2009.
* Newman/Haas/Lanigan has signed Robert Doornbos and is trying to find sponsorship to run Sebastien Bourdais.
* KV Racing is running Mario Moraes in one of its cars.
* The Philippe family has purchased Marty Roth's equipment and will run sons Nelson and Richard as "Team France" in the 2009 season.But is it likely the N/H/L would have a 3 car team? And we get 2 young driver and lose Mad Dog Marty could it get any better?

All looks like Great news, and it's still good news if only 1 of the last 3 points come true.

[SarahFan]

I was just getting rady to post the same link....


lets hope if a domino falls a chain reaction insues.....that is a serios list of qualityy drivers..... i hope more than just lands a ride

[F1boat]

Sounds cool, if true.

[DanicaFan]

I would not replace Will Power with Mario Moraes, bad move for KV Racing.

Im sure if Doornbos is going to Newman/Haas/Lanigan, he has to be bringing sponsorship because why would you choose Doornbos over Justin Wilson.. :confused:
Another bad move if this is true.

And trying to pick up Sebastien Bourdais over Wilson...Again, why ? Bad moves as I see these possibilities if they play out.

Dont get me wrong, Bourdais and Doornbos are good drivers but they are rookies coming into the IRL with these ovals. Justin Wilson and Will Power have a year under their belt on these ovals. Both of these drivers will fare out better this year than Bourdais or Doornbos if it plays out.

And Doornbos was practically signed with HVM Racing. I wonder what happened.

I dont want to see Helio replaced but unfortunately, it may be a reality. :(

[ykiki]

I would not replace Will Power with Mario Moraes, bad move for KV Racing.

Im sure if Doornbos is going to Newman/Haas/Lanigan, he has to be bringing sponsorship because why would you choose Doornbos over Justin Wilson.. :confused:
Another bad move if this is true.

And trying to pick up Sebastien Bourdais over Wilson...Again, why ? Bad moves as I see these possibilities if they play out.

Dont get me wrong, Bourdais and Doornbos are good drivers but they are rookies coming into the IRL with these ovals. Justin Wilson and Will Power have a year under their belt on these ovals. Both of these drivers will fare out better this year than Bourdais or Doornbos if it plays out.

And Doornbos was practically signed with HVM Racing. I wonder what happened.

I dont want to see Helio replaced but unfortunately, it may be a reality. :(

I think you're selling Bourdais and Doornbos short. While Doornbos may be new to ovals, he'll be in the hunt for wins on road/street circuits. Bourdais has a deep history with Newman Haas and has experience on ovals (wins at Lusitz, Milwaukee, Las Vegas twice, and a nice run at some place called...uh...what was it? Oh yeah, Indy). Heck, he even won an IROC race at Texas Motor Speedway.

[BobGarage]

I would not replace Will Power with Mario Moraes, bad move for KV Racing.(

i rarly agree with you, but this once, and just on this point i do. Mario is no where near as good as power.

however with aussie vineyards $$$ gone did you really expect power to stay? Mario brings $$$ and that is what KV needs without gore on board.

[jwhite9185]

I do hope Power stays in the series... maybe he could be replacing Castroneves at Penske for an all Aussie line up? Then put Wilson in the seat that was destined for Doornbos at HVM and then you just have to find a space for Hunter-Reay.

[MDS]

Okay, here we go.


I would not replace Will Power with Mario Moraes, bad move for KV Racing.

You might if you lost half of your sponsorship budget and had an experienced young driver who brought money to the team. I'm not sure who is backing him, but the kid brings money, and he's not half bad.


Im sure if Doornbos is going to Newman/Haas/Lanigan, he has to be bringing sponsorship because why would you choose Doornbos over Justin Wilson.. :confused:
Another bad move if this is true.

Actually, Doornbos for Wilson might be an upgrade, even if the sponsorship situation were equal. Doornbos is talented, aggressive, funny, and he's taken it upon himself to find sponsorship. There is no reason why he can't be a star in this league. All things being equal for me it would be a tough decision as a car owner.

It is apparently a done deal with ING and Red Bull. The news that he signed with NHL is all over Euro media. Also, Junior Strouss is going to be racing in Indy Lights in 2009 with an eye on the IRL in 2010.


And trying to pick up Sebastien Bourdais over Wilson...Again, why ? Bad moves as I see these possibilities if they play out.

Dont get me wrong, Bourdais and Doornbos are good drivers but they are rookies coming into the IRL with these ovals. Justin Wilson and Will Power have a year under their belt on these ovals. Both of these drivers will fare out better this year than Bourdais or Doornbos if it plays out.

Actually I don't think Sebastien would be considered a rookie. They seem to base rookie status solely on Indy and oval starts. Sebastien has close to a dozen oval starts; he ran strong at Indy in 2005, had he not experienced a mechanical with two laps to go I believe he would have had a top 6 on the lead lap; He has wins at Lautiz (against a strong field in his rookie year), Milwaukee and Las Vegas, so I'd be surprised if he got the rookie tab if and when he comes comes over. I wouldn't be shocked to see him be called a rookie though, if for no other reason to take another parting shot at the CC guys.

Sebastien is a talented guy. Compare Bourdais and Wilson's lap times at Seabring and Long Beach when they were in the same car on the same track with similar conditions. Bourdais was faster. If we get a three car NHL team with Graham, Sebass, and Robby-D, I would think they'd have to be a favorite for the championship.

[DanicaFan]

It would be a solid team but they will be nowhere near in competition for the championship.

The championship is already sewed up in my books, either by Andretti Green Racing (most likely), Chip Ganassi, and maybe Penske sneaking in there.

[Chamoo]

I am not happy that both Servia and Power seem to be out of a job at KVRT. However, I am interested to see what Mario can do at KVRT with a driver coach like Jimmy Vasser teaching him the ropes. Mario was quick last year, he just managed to screw up every other race. I think he was leading at Mid-Ohio (thanks to pit stops) when he spun out and stalled. If you pair him with a little more experienced driver, he could grow up quickly. Some CC fans might compare him with Nelson Philippe if he pans out.

Unfortunately for NHL, with PLN gone, the money isn't there anymore apparently. Keeping Graham over Wilson is most likely because they signed Graham to a 3 year deal in his rookie year in CC. They probably also realize it will be easier to sell sponsorship for an american then a Brit.

Now, this Seabass to NHL is something new (depending on sponsorship). They might be able to sell this based on the fact it's a former F1 driver and former 4 time CC Champion. I don't know what that will mean to American companies who are tight on advertising, but it will be better then selling a British driver with no CC titles.

If this 3-car NHL team comes together, I would be amazed, and extremely happy, as it would shake things up completely. If Miller is right, then we know that Seabass is not the one tabbed for the HCN seat at Penske.

As for the Philippe brothers, I hope their family purchased the team. I doubt Richard will run because as I've stated before, Richard has signed with Carlin Motorsports F3 team for 2009. Nelson would be good for the series and would probably be competitive right away.

If this new Philippe team is a go, and they aren't looking for buy-a-ride drivers, then I could see Nelson reaching out to a former CC driver who needs a ride (Power, Servia, RHR ect...) as he has been in that situation before. However, they may also just put another french driver in the car (Tristan Gommendy, Franck Montagny, Franck Perera who has ICS experience). And if they bought the entire team, not solely the cars, they will have also purchased the contract of Jay Howard, who could end up in the car.

[seppefan]

I do hope Power stays in the series... maybe he could be replacing Castroneves at Penske for an all Aussie line up? Then put Wilson in the seat that was destined for Doornbos at HVM and then you just have to find a space for Hunter-Reay.

Wilson would love that as he would then be back with Mike Cannon who he worked with at RuSport if I remember correctly. I think Penske will avoid Power as he crashes a little too much whereas Wilson does not. I would pick Wilson over Power or RHR.

[EagleEye]

Wilson would love that as he would then be back with Mike Cannon who he worked with at RuSport if I remember correctly. I think Penske will avoid Power as he crashes a little too much whereas Wilson does not. I would pick Wilson over Power or RHR.

Wilson was paired with Todd Malloy at Rusport. Cannon and Malloy were both at Forsythe at one time, before both left.

It seems that the 2009 season will have close to 24+ cars for the season, with some extremely talented drivers.

The only concern on Wilson is his size. The Captain might try and pick RHR or Power, as they are similar in stature to Briscoe. But I agree, that talent wise, I'd give Wilson the edge (and I hope he gets the ride too!).

Today's rumor is that RHR might have the Penske seat, which would make Wilson and Power two top drivers without rides.

Wouldn't be great if AGR kicked the princess to the curb, and put some real talent in the 7 car? TK and Wilson would be a great pairing and both would help Marco. And with the princess's father already making noise about NASCAR, locking up Wilson would be good for the long term.

[SarahFan]

It would be a solid team but they will be nowhere near in competition for the championship.

The championship is already sewed up in my books, either by Andretti Green Racing (most likely), Chip Ganassi, and maybe Penske sneaking in there.


your not seriosly still considering Danica to be the favorite for the championship are you?

[DanicaFan]

your seriosly still considering Danica to be the favorite for the championship are you?
Yes I am. :)

[SarahFan]

Yes I am. :)

it's going to be a long long year for you my internet friend

[garyshell]

And trying to pick up Sebastien Bourdais over Wilson...Again, why ? Bad moves as I see these possibilities if they play out.


You are kidding, right? If not you really do need to go back to Racing 101 School. Seabass, while not one of my favorite drivers, DOES HAVE OVAL EXPERIENCE. And as much as I do like Wilson, Sebass would run circles around him in the same equipment. Especially if it was NHL equipment as he already knows the team and more importantly they know him, his driving style etc.

Gary

[garyshell]

The championship is already sewed up in my books, either by Andretti Green Racing (most likely...

Yeah, because they were SOooooooo uber competitive last year, weren't they? Yep, you do need to go back to Racing 101 School.

Care to place a little wager on that prediction?

Gary

[garyshell]

it's going to be a long long year for you my internet friend


A long, painful, delusional year.

Gary

[SarahFan]

A long, painful, delusional year.

Gary


not 100% sure.... but i believe her contract is up after 2009...


it will be very interesting to see whether she is still at AGR in 2010.... and if 21million in sponsorship is still on the table


Championship Season Vs. 2008

Dario/Kannaan/Herta/Whelson Vs. Danica/Marco/Maatsura/Kannaan

[seppefan]

[quote="EagleEye"]Wilson was paired with Todd Malloy at Rusport. Cannon and Malloy were both at Forsythe at one time, before both left.

Thanks for putting me right. Where did Cannon go after Forsythe and before HVM or was it direct?

[EagleEye]

Wilson was paired with Todd Malloy at Rusport. Cannon and Malloy were both at Forsythe at one time, before both left.

Thanks for putting me right. Where did Cannon go after Forsythe and before HVM or was it direct?

I'm fairly certain Cannon helped some other teams prior to going to Herdez/HVM. He may have actually helped an IRL team or two. I think he left in '03 before the season was out.

His departure was not good with Forsythe, as he was (wrongly) demoted and took issue with (it in not quite the appropriate way, though funny way.)
I think he is a great engineer, and is certainly a chip off the old block of his father.

[EagleEye]

Yes I am. :)

TK has the best chance of winning the championshp for AGR. Have you ever gone to a race, and scanned the princess's frequency? Talk about how NOT to talk to your crew.

A great way to compare drivers is to listen to the radio communications. TK, Dixon, Helio, RHR, Wilson, Rahal, Dario and some others offer good, concise information to their crews, so they can work TOGETHER to make the car right.

Using such high tech terms like "the car sucks", "this sucks", "the car is ", "this is bs" are not ways to inform your team or crew how to improve the car, and reason #1000 wht she will not win a championship.

She does have telent, and she can drive...but, the limiting factor is her ability, or inability, to communicate to her team.

[pits4me]

Very few fans realize the best approach for a driver to get their car sorted correctly is to speak intelligently about how the car is reacting in different situations. It might help if DP spent more time in the garage and less time splashing skin on magazine covers.

[SarahFan]

theres a rumor floating around on another forum that PT might land a second seat at KV....

YMMV

[SarahFan]

Very few fans realize the best approach for a driver to get their car sorted correctly is to speak intelligently about how the car is reacting in different situations. It might help if DP spent more time in the garage and less time splashing skin on magazine covers.

I gotta disagree with you on part of that statement the pits...

I think almost ALL FANS relize that's the best approach.... what I also think is Danica isn't capable of such communication

[jwhite9185]

Moraes is now confirmed at KVRT - check out indycar.com

[pits4me]

I gotta disagree with you on part of that statement the pits...

I think almost ALL FANS relize that's the best approach.... what I also think is Danica isn't capable of such communication

ALL FANS? I guess it depends how we define fans. . . .

Statistically it amazes me how small the percentage is of race attendees that actually get pit and or paddock passes and investigate what goes on behind the scenes? Closer to the 20% side of Perato's 80-20 rule.

Of those that do I was alarmed at how many didn't know there was a huge difference between street set-up and oval, especially stagger.


I'd guess 2/3rds of fans that attend Indy don't even watch any other races on TV during the rest of the season.

[Easy Drifter]

I think a fairly good percentage of people on forums like this at the very least have a reasonable comprehension of set ups and how drivers and engineers need to work together and understand each other.
The casual spectator does not, in most cases, and usually is not interested. If you are in a group of people watching a race on TV the moment a commentator tries to explain a technical feature it is potty break or conversation breaks out. This seems to apply to all types of racing.
I go to quite a few club races and the spectators there have to be fairly keen to even find out there is a race. Yet most do not have much knowledge of, let alone understand car set up. Many do not even understand the difference between racing tires, both wet and dry and street tires in racing classes that require them. Mention that street tires are shaved and you get a blank look. If it is raining and some cars do not come out to race and people wonder why I will say they may not have rain tires. They do not even understand that.
Over the years I worked with drivers that could tell me what was happening and others that drove around a problem which made it very tough to sort out a car. I also had drivers (one in particular) who you could teach to understand what the car was doing and even make to suggestions that were usually correct. That one was a woman, my former wife! We are still good friends. Oh and she won races and held lap records.

[Jag_Warrior]

I'd guess 2/3rds of fans that attend Indy don't even watch any other races on TV during the rest of the season.

Just judging by the ratings, I'd say you've pretty well nailed it: 2/3's to 75%.

[Jag_Warrior]

TK has the best chance of winning the championshp for AGR. Have you ever gone to a race, and scanned the princess's frequency? Talk about how NOT to talk to your crew.

A great way to compare drivers is to listen to the radio communications. TK, Dixon, Helio, RHR, Wilson, Rahal, Dario and some others offer good, concise information to their crews, so they can work TOGETHER to make the car right.

Using such high tech terms like "the car sucks", "this sucks", "the car is ", "this is bs" are not ways to inform your team or crew how to improve the car, and reason #1000 wht she will not win a championship.

She does have telent, and she can drive...but, the limiting factor is her ability, or inability, to communicate to her team.

Isn't she about 27 years old now? If she hasn't come to terms with the basics by now, that boat may have already sailed.

[anthonyvop]

Speedtv.com's Robin Miller put an artical with alot of good news if it all comes ture, I think Miller is the most reliable sources in the sport, so I trust what he says.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-helio-out-penske-naming-successor-this-week-says-miller//P1/

But is it likely the N/H/L would have a 3 car team? And we get 2 young driver and lose Mad Dog Marty could it get any better?

All looks like Great news, and it's still good news if only 1 of the last 3 points come true.


Good news?

The IRL is loosing a 2 time Indy 500 winner and 2nd most recognizable driver due to criminal charges.

Doornbos and Moraes are ride buyers.

Aside for the Phillipe rumor(It is just a rumor for now) what RM is reporting is not good news.

[Birdman5700]

Good news?

The IRL is loosing a 2 time Indy 500 winner and 2nd most recognizable driver due to criminal charges.

Doornbos and Moraes are ride buyers.

Aside for the Phillipe rumor(It is just a rumor for now) what RM is reporting is not good news.

With Helio out Wilson, Power, or RHR will get to drive in 09 and if Helio is able to race in 2010, another team will pick him up. That team would get a great driver, I think it will be AGR when Danica leaves for Nascar.

So Doornbos and Moraes are ride buyers in these economic times at least there will be someone driving those cars.

Doornbos had 2 wins and 6 podiumes in 14 races in CC, so hes no slouch, and that is so much better than if N/H/L only ran 1 car.

I think that is good news

[FormerFF]

<SNIP>
Actually I don't think Sebastien would be considered a rookie. They seem to base rookie status solely on Indy and oval starts. Sebastien has close to a dozen oval starts; he ran strong at Indy in 2005, had he not experienced a mechanical with two laps to go I believe he would have had a top 6 on the lead lap;

If my memory serves me, it seems to me that Sebastien had a run in with the wall while trying to avoid a certain rapidly slowing driver.

[DanicaFan]

It appears now that Will Power will be replacing Helio Castroneves during Helio's trial. It's unclear for how long but Power will stay in the car until a resolution is made.

Good luck to Will. I am shocked that Power got the ride over Justin Wilson or Ryan Hunter-Reay.

[SarahFan]

It appears now that Will Power will be replacing Helio Castroneves during Helio's trial. It's unclear for how long but Power will stay in the car until a resolution is made.

Good luck to Will. I am shocked that Power got the ride over Justin Wilson or Ryan Hunter-Reay.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090112/SPORTS0107/90112077/1052/SPORTS01

the article specifically references a testing role.....hmmm

[Ranger]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72751

That settles that then.

EDIT:
I have two questions/observations,
1) what happens to Will if Castroneves' appeal is successful? Can't imagine too many rides being available.
2) I can't help but think the Australian sponsors would've been ready to jump on board the series with this announcement, just a shame there's no TV coverage and no more Australian race. A shame.

[downtowndeco]

Another open wheel series already tried that, to just about have a race in each country they had a driver from. Mexico, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium etc etc. All that tale chasing around the world only helped put them out of business. Better to focus on North America & leave F1 to F1.




I can't help but think the Australian sponsors would've been ready to jump on board the series with this announcement, just a shame there's no TV coverage and no more Australian race. A shame.

[downtowndeco]

I don't disagree with you. Yes, at some point it may be well worth the effort to go outside North America. Now isn't the time though.

I often thought the reason that the other series went outside the country was not because it was such a great idea, but because they had burned every bridge in this one.



A good point. But there is some merit to being open to as many opportunities for other than North American sponsors to see value in the series. For the moment, I think your take is the best way to go as the costs out weigh the benefits. That could change going forward.

[anthonyvop]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72751

That settles that then.

EDIT:
I have two questions/observations,
1) what happens to Will if Castroneves' appeal is successful? Can't imagine too many rides being available.

Helio hasn't been found guilty of anything yet. He has only been charged so he can't appeal.

2) I can't help but think the Australian sponsors would've been ready to jump on board the series with this announcement, just a shame there's no TV coverage and no more Australian race. A shame.
Penske is sponsored by Marlboro. Many sponsors do not want to be associated with the Tobacco companies.

[DanicaFan]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72751

That settles that then.

EDIT:
I have two questions/observations,
1) what happens to Will if Castroneves' appeal is successful? Can't imagine too many rides being available.
2) I can't help but think the Australian sponsors would've been ready to jump on board the series with this announcement, just a shame there's no TV coverage and no more Australian race. A shame.
To answer your question Mallen, if Helio's trial goes well and he doesnt do any time, then he will go back into the car and Power will be without a ride.

[millencolin]

Wow, with an all Australia team penske... i may actually watch the 2009 season. I was not going to make the effort, but hmmm...

[beachgirl]

To answer your question Mallen, if Helio's trial goes well and he doesnt do any time, then he will go back into the car and Power will be without a ride.

Uh, your idea of Helio's trial going well is that he doesn't do any time?

Interesting take on the situation.

[FormerFF]

Uh, your idea of Helio's trial going well is that he doesn't do any time?

Interesting take on the situation.

Generally, Federal prosecutors don't bring charges unless they have substantial compelling evidence, and their conviction rate is very high.

[beachgirl]

Generally, Federal prosecutors don't bring charges unless they have substantial compelling evidence, and their conviction rate is very high.


I know - I'm in the tax accounting field. Personally, I would consider Helio's trial going well only if he were acquitted. Knowing the tenacity of the IRS in this type of issue, if he would be convicted, the probability of deportation will be extemely high whether or not jail time is involved. There is really no upside to this sad situation at all.

[DanicaFan]

Uh, your idea of Helio's trial going well is that he doesn't do any time?

Interesting take on the situation.

Well, he is proclaiming to be innocent of the charges. And I strongly hope he is and that he gets back into the race car where he belongs.

[MDS]

I've read the indictment. Unless the government sources are completely off base I believe Helio's days of racing in this country are over with.

[DBell]

I'll start off by saying that I like Will Power and am glad that he is staying in the series. That said, this announcement is part of the reason that I don't feel very optomistic about the future of AOW.

The list for this ride, from what I've seen said, was Justin, Will and Ryan, an Engishman, an Aussie and a American. In a series that desperately needs more American drivers capable of running up front and winning, the Austrailian gets the ride. Add to the fact that Ryan is quick and is a proven winner in both road races and oval races, this decision make no sense to me. I'm not saying that RHR is clearly a better driver than WP or JW. I'm just saying that in a case where bringing money isn't a factor and where an valid argument can be made in the case of each driver, at this moment in time being an American should have tipped the scales in his favor. This, to me, was a big probem in CART/CC and continues to be in the IRL.

So no, I don't see this as good news, just more of the song remains the same.

[seppefan]

I agree. The IRL needs American drivers and RHR had a good 08, better than I expected. I feel that he may not be the best of the three but for the series to attract fans it must not be full of Europeans or Aussies.

[FormerFF]

I know - I'm in the tax accounting field. Personally, I would consider Helio's trial going well only if he were acquitted. Knowing the tenacity of the IRS in this type of issue, if he would be convicted, the probability of deportation will be extemely high whether or not jail time is involved. There is really no upside to this sad situation at all.

I would agree - if he is indeed not guilty. If he is guilty, I have no problem with him spending some time in Club Fed, paying back taxes and penalties, and then being deported. I pay all my taxes, as apparently do the other drivers. I see no reason why Helio shouldn't have paid his.

[Ranger]

I'll start off by saying that I like Will Power and am glad that he is staying in the series. That said, this announcement is part of the reason that I don't feel very optomistic about the future of AOW.

The list for this ride, from what I've seen said, was Justin, Will and Ryan, an Engishman, an Aussie and a American. In a series that desperately needs more American drivers capable of running up front and winning, the Austrailian gets the ride. Add to the fact that Ryan is quick and is a proven winner in both road races and oval races, this decision make no sense to me. I'm not saying that RHR is clearly a better driver than WP or JW. I'm just saying that in a case where bringing money isn't a factor and where an valid argument can be made in the case of each driver, at this moment in time being an American should have tipped the scales in his favor. This, to me, was a big probem in CART/CC and continues to be in the IRL.

So no, I don't see this as good news, just more of the song remains the same.

If the IRL can't attract top-line US drivers in a US-based series, then that is too bad. That's what the song seems like to me at the moment.

The solution to the lack of American IRL drivers does not start at the top, but at the bottom in junior formulae, where American open-wheel racing has been losing its best talents to NASCAR for years now.

[Chamoo]

I'll start off by saying that I like Will Power and am glad that he is staying in the series. That said, this announcement is part of the reason that I don't feel very optomistic about the future of AOW.

The list for this ride, from what I've seen said, was Justin, Will and Ryan, an Engishman, an Aussie and a American. In a series that desperately needs more American drivers capable of running up front and winning, the Austrailian gets the ride. Add to the fact that Ryan is quick and is a proven winner in both road races and oval races, this decision make no sense to me. I'm not saying that RHR is clearly a better driver than WP or JW. I'm just saying that in a case where bringing money isn't a factor and where an valid argument can be made in the case of each driver, at this moment in time being an American should have tipped the scales in his favor. This, to me, was a big probem in CART/CC and continues to be in the IRL.

So no, I don't see this as good news, just more of the song remains the same.

Now I'll agree we need more North-American racers (not specifically American in my opinion), but you are assuming he was passed up by Penske (RHR). Maybe he was their first choice but when told he would have to give up his seat if Helio was found innocent and was able to race he said thanks but no thanks.

[Mark in Oshawa]

I think Roger Penske gets a pass on this one. He took what he thought was the best driver and I think Will Power is a pretty good choice. His first choice obviously would be to have Helio still driving for him but I think Helio is gonna see some jail time and be deported.

I think the IRL will be fine this year. Last year was sort of thrown together with all the CCWS teams looking a little disorganized and unacquainted with the new car to deal with. THis year things will level out and I think we will have a true measure of where this series stands. I think it needs more North American content driver wise, but having an Aussie taking a ride that was held by a Brazilian isn't hurting things either.....

[racecraze]

Its really good thing.

[anthonyvop]

Speedtv.com's Robin Miller put an artical with alot of good news if it all comes ture, I think Miller is the most reliable sources in the sport, so I trust what he says.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-helio-out-penske-naming-successor-this-week-says-miller//P1/

But is it likely the N/H/L would have a 3 car team? And we get 2 young driver and lose Mad Dog Marty could it get any better?

All looks like Great news, and it's still good news if only 1 of the last 3 points come true.
Well the King of getting his inside info from internet message boards missed this one.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing/indycar/news/story?id=3868807

Good news?