Thanks to everyone who nominated a team, driver, race and more! 

Here are the results of the fan vote through this website -

Best Hashtag 
Winner – #Indy500orBust
Runner Up – #Follow4indycar

Best Tweeter 
Winner - James Hinchcliffe 
Runner Up – Pippa Mann

Funniest Moment - 
Winner – Sebastian Bourdais trophy drop after Toronto Race 1
Runner Up – James Hinchcliffe sat in his car at Barber for 67 laps 

Best Blog - 
Winner – Indycar Advocate 
Runner Up – Indycar Minnesota 

Best Overtake - Winner – James Hinchcliffe on Takuma Sato in Sao Paulo @ 5:30
Runner Up – Charlie Kimball on Will Power at Barber @ 3:38

Best Race 
Winner – Indianapolis 500
Runner Up – Sao Paulo

Best Event 
Winner – Indianapolis 500
Runner Up – Toronto 

Best Win 
Winner – Tony Kanaan at the Indianapolis 500
Runner Up – Will Power at ACS / Fontana

Best Commentary Team
Winner – NBC Sports Network
Runner Up – Indycar Radio Network

Best Livery
Winner – Dragon Racing / Sebastian Bourdais (Red/Chrome)
Runner Up – SFHR / Josef Newgarden (Strike) 

Best Radio Message
Winner – Tony Kanaan – Indy 500 @ 16:26
Runner Up – Scott Dixon – Various referencing Will Power / Penske

Behind the Scenes / Unsung Hero
Winner – Monica Hilton
Runner Up – Holmatro Safety Crew

Mazda Road to Indy Driver of the Year
Winner – Matthew Brabham
Runner Up – Sage Karam

Rookie of the Year
Winner – Carlos Munoz
Runner Up – Luca Filippi

Team of the Year
Winner – Chip Ganassi Racing
Runner Up – Dale Coyne Racing

Driver of the Year
Winner – Simon Pagenaud
Runner Up – Justin Wilson


Remember that this is all just some fun for the offseason!

Time. It’s a strange thing time. Even our very perception of it changes completely depending on our perspective. For example, two years feels like a lifetime when thinking about the last time we saw, held or spoke to a lost loved one. But when thinking of the tragic, violent way they were taken from us, each of those 24 months melt away until it feels just like yesterday.

Right now the 16th October 2011 feels just like yesterday for many of us.

I didn't lose a husband, father, son or brother that day like the remarkably strong and inspiring Wheldon family did. But I did lose a friend. And that’s one of the many things that made Dan Wheldon so very special, because two years ago today the whole world lost a friend.

There can be no denying that today will be hard for us all. But as painful, tearful and difficult as it will be, we can only imagine how hard today is for his family. Dan was always known for his Lionheart spirit but in the two years following his loss the Wheldons have shown such incredible strength and dignity that it’s easy to see where he got it from. His young sister, Holly in particular has shown immense courage, often inspiring and lifting us with a Lionheart spirit that would make Dan very proud. We can only wish them peace and comfort as they face their loss and grief again today and every day.

They say that time is a great healer too. Yet somehow the loss and grief seems just as vivid and strong today as it did on that fateful day in Las Vegas. Perhaps the recent tragic loss of Maria de Villota and Sean Edwards has heightened our already fragile emotions. Not forgetting Dan’s close friend, Dario Franchitti’s horrendous Houston accident last week too. That couldn't fail to make us all hold our collective breath once again; conjuring up images and thoughts we’d just as soon try to forget.

This emotional roller coaster certainly hasn't made Dan’s memorial any easier to cope with, but I think the depth of loss we feel is due to something more. Because Dan was something more. He wasn't just another driver; he was a friend, he was family, he was one of us. He had that incredible ability to make everyone feel special and important. You met him once and you were a friend for life. Even those who hadn't met him personally still felt a bond with him as it was virtually impossible not to be captivated by his whiter than white smile, that mischievous glint in his eye, that cheeky school boy charm. Everyone fell under the spell of the neat freak Brit with a shoe fetish and too tight overalls who never failed to make you feel happy.

Indeed one memory that keeps coming back to me is of him laughing hysterically after Jenson Button almost ran me over during their early Formula Ford days.  It wasn't even that funny, but I’m pretty sure he made us all laugh so hard that eventually our ribs hurt even more than my pride did…

We all have and share our own similar stories and memories of this wonderful, much loved and deeply missed man.  Because although Dan wasn't given anywhere near as much time as he deserved another thing that made him so special is that he always found time for others. At Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2011 he was called to dinner with Lord March but told him he’d have to wait as he hadn't finished signing autographs and meeting people. Nobody could have known then just how precious that time he spent with those fans was to become only a few months later.

Which brings us back to that word again: Time. It’s a paradox, a healer, a precious gift and, all too often, cruelly short.

Time may one day help to numb the pain and loss we feel on the 16th October a little. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that our hearts will never let us forget Dan and the special part he played in our all our lives. 

So today I’m taking time to remember and pay tribute to Dan Wheldon - the awesome race-driver, devoted husband, caring brother, loving son, doting father.

And friend to us all.

Here’s to you Lionheart

... It is a reality.

The inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis will be held on 8-10 May 2014

My feeling towards this race swing from 30-70 against when it was first seriously muted amongst the media to 70-30 for as we are today, post press conference. 

My original reasons against were from a traditional stand point, May should be about the 500, end of. But after hearing from those in charge of the series and also IMS discuss the virtues of having a road course race at the track it really hit home a number of key issues. Here are just a few thoughts on them and also about the race itself coming up...

1 - Indycar is no longer in the position it once was a decade or more back. Eyes on cars, cars on track has to be a good thing. (ABC/ESPN eyes too).

2 - The 'month' of May has been becoming shorter, this way we have more on track activity. I was watching the opening day stream earlier this year and stood near a car with no one else in sight was a friend of mine on her own, more people through the gates can not be a bad thing.

3 - Reality of modern life is that sport is a business and it has to pay. To have a racing facility just sat there for the majority of the year is wrong from a commercial stand point.

4 - Pricing, on the whole as a stand alone event, mixed to positive. I have seem some grumblings and do agree that with the close proximity of the 500, it wont hurt the 500, it will hurt the RC race. £12-£45 for a high quality race, compared to many sporting events this side of the Atlantic, I call that a great deal!

5 - I have attended races at Spa and Detroit in recent years, with very limited viewing of the cars on track.  This will not be the case at IMS, improvements to the mounds and addition infield seating will allow greater viewing of the cars, something I can actually agree with a higher price for!

6 - The schedule as it stands is still looking a little bare, although personally I would love to see more ovals, we have to be realistic with what actually works and where the series can get a race.

7 - Having the full 'Road to Indy' on the same weekend will be great for them, the drivers, teams and sponsors to have a race associated with IMS, great exposure to new fans and especially Indy Lights as the series goes forward.

8 - The track itself will have a number of improvements, this is not the F1 track from ten years ago, and lets be honest, the DW12 races well pretty much anywhere.

Not a definitive list of thoughts and issues but some I have had on my mind for the past few weeks. The time to complain about tradition for the track passed in 1994 when stock cars took to the Brickyard. For too long Indycar has stood still, whilst others have galloped past, time to get on that pony.

Twelve years on, an inspiration and legend lives, still winning....

Over the last month I have taken up running and I am loving it.  With a young daughter, 9-5 job, 45 minute each way drive/commute, the late night fresh air and peace is blissful.  Tonight I completed week 4 of my program and when I was pounding the pavement, a certain event and person crossed my mind and entered my thoughts.

This week we marked the twelfth anniversary of one of our generations worst days, a day which would shape the world for the next decade and possibly beyond.  For many motor racing fans worldwide, this Sunday will also mark a day that shook our sport to it's core.  Sunday will mark a day we lost a legend, more than once, and we almost lost him forever.  I can recall exactly where I was when I seen the news of his accident on Eurosport News and the pictures that then followed. His recovery over the days and months that followed helped enhance his legend and that story is well known. The most incredible details continues to baffle me;  having to be resuscitated seven times and having only 2 pints of blood left in his body on arrival at hospital, he still survived against the worst odds ever imaginable. 

The Alex Zanardi that somehow survived that accident in Germany twelve years ago may look different on the outside, but on the inside he's still the same easy go lucky Italian who refuses to acknowledge how talented and inspirational he is.

His on track successes and reputation continue to be a benchmark for the few old guard and current generation of drivers.  However his persona, infectious personality, humble character and refusal to give up, refusal to accept that he can't, is unmatched and will not be matched, I don't think ever.

It is chapter two of the Zanardi story which continues to overshadow what came before his life was changed forever.  Tell the story to your friends and it would seem to be a work of fiction, but this man is as real as they come and he continues to write his own remarkable story.  Two weeks ago he became wheelchair time trial world champion to add to his Paralympic gold in the same event.  This week also marked one year since Alex celebrated his double Paralympic Gold Medals and provided us with the now iconic image of him lifting his hand cycle aloft in victory at the ripe old age of 45.

Through his actions since the events of 15 September 2001 Alex continues to provide inspiration for both fans and non fans of our sport. Despite all his successes on four wheels and three,  he  continues to play down what he does as ordinary, not extraordinary.  He is a true role model in every sense.

His recovery and continued self penned Hollywood story is possibly the best work of non fiction I have ever seen, read or heard.  Twelve years on, the 12 is still king, beating all challengers at everything he does. The legend lives on.

A little about me - never written a blog before (be nice...) and consider myself a rookie to American racing. Big fan of F1 all my life, I admittedly always considered oval racing as second class. However last year I watched a little Indy action and was hooked.  I watched any Indy videos on youtube just to catch up. This led me to watch NASCAR as well and fall totally in love with American racing.

As the title suggests I'm here to look at how this season is shaping up. Those of you on the UK indycar facebook page will already have an idea about who I will talk about.

I am going to start with my absolute favourite moment of the season. I'm sure many others worldwide will agree with me on this but Tony Kanaan finally winning the big one, the Indy 500. He tried for so long to win this legendary race, coming so close on many occasions. So to finally win it must have been a relief, but don't take my word for it, hear it from the man himself - Possibly the best 16 minutes of video. TK truly a guy who knows how to enjoy himself. I would also like to give a special mention to a rookie who had an outstanding 500, Carlos Munioz. Known for being quick in the Lights series he stepped into the big car for the first time and was quick all weekend. This guy proved he can drive and also proved that weekend to those who were 'concerned' about how he drove around the Brickyard that maybe he knows a quicker way around. If TK had not won then I was rooting for this rookie, look for him to be a major player in the years to come for sure.

Now for some of the negative. Starting with someone I expected to be alot faster this year, Graham Rahal. In all honesty he has had a nightmare start to the year. Qualifying towards the back almost every race he then gets himself in trouble when accidents happen. And even when he escapes trouble he just has no pace at all. Sadly I don't expect him to improve too much before the season ends. I'm sure he will already be looking ahead to 2014.

Another driver looking ahead to 2014 is Will Power who, after being runner up the last few years, looks like he has little chance of overcoming the massive points difference. Now he hasn't lacked pace but has been unlucky thus far. Can he fight back? I don't think so sadly. He will be a serious contender for wins this year and will be fighting for a title next year.

As will Dario Franchitti and Chip Ganasi who have been made, by Andretti Motorsport in particular, to look very average for one of the best teams in the sport. I look forward to seeing if they can overcome their issues and move forward, as we know Ganasi do very well.

There have been a number of drivers who have made a step up this season. It is great to see a number of drivers finally showing some of their potential and making the series even more unpredictable and exciting. The one I want to start with is James Jakes. This young Brit has really looked fast this year. He has been in the series a few years now and what I like is he has steadily been moving forward with every race. He hasn't made big waves, but just gotten on with his job quietly and effectively. Let us see if he can step up even further, surely only a matter of time before he wins a race.

Another driver I want to mention quickly is EJ Viso who has shown some promise this year. He has often been criticised for being out of control and crash happy but to me it seems that he has more control over his driving this year and seems to be more patient when it comes to his overtaking on the track. Now I don't know if he has done this by himself or if someone has sat him down and told him to sort himself out but I like the current look Viso that I've seen this year. I sincerely hope he can keep out of the wall, as well as the sides of his rivals and can make a move towards the top of the charts.

This moves me nicely onto my final subject, the title. This season has been incredibly open, with several different names winning races, including Hinchcliffe (with two wins), Takuma Sato and Simon  Pagenaud who have both recorded their first wins in the series. Now as important as wins are nothing can match the importance of consistency. If you can match these two together then you will have a great shot at being at the right end of the series at Fontana. For this reason I see the title race coming down to 3 drivers, Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti. These 3 week in, week out are top of qualifying and challenging for wins. Marco has been very unlucky so far but very fast nevertheless. If he picks up a win or two then he will be tough to beat.

From a personal perspective I am hoping it goes down to the last race and is between Marco and Helio. I would find it tough to pick between the two as I would love them both to have a championship before too long. That being said I think it would be pretty cool if Helio was to win the title, I mean just imagine how he would celebrate if he did.

Standings after Milwaukee Indy Fest -

1st - Helio Castroneves. 299 points, 1 win

2nd - Ryan Hunter-Reay. 283 points, 2 wins, 16 behind

3rd - Marco Andretti. 249 points, 0 wins, 50 behind

4th - Takuma Sato. 223 points, 1 win, 76 behind

5th -Scott Dixon. 221 points, 0 wins, 78 behind

Notables -

6th - Tony Kanaan. 215 points, 1 win, 84 behind

9th - James Hinchcliffe. 206 points, 2 wins, 93 behind

10th - Dario Franchitti. 192 points, 0 wins, 107 behind

11th - Will Power. 188 points, 0 wins, 111 behind

17th - Graham Rahal. 149 points, 0 wins, 150 behind

Ok I will leave it here for now. Let me know your thoughts on the season so far. I'm thinking for my next attempt at a blog of seeing which drivers around the world who I would love to see in Indycar. Thanks for reading.

Over recent months I have seen a growing theme on Formula One race weekends, particularly during the latter stages of qualifying and the race about the complaints over tyres, tyre management, fuel management and in general drivers spending too long ‘protecting’ their tyres, which is not the formula that many of us grew up with and hooked us in the first place.

If this is you, and, well, even if it isn't you, take a look at another major motorsport event taking place on the weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix, the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. When I started following F1 I was aware of the race but did not have access to follow the Indycar series (CART or IRL as it was during the late 90’s and 00’s), It may only of been fifteen years ago, but if you look back at the basic four / five terrestrial channels we had and relying on three paragraphs of a teletext page report, times, they have-a-changed.

Now in the age with online news, social media, online streaming and finally forking out the monthly subscription for Sky Sports (pre 2013) if you look, you will find. Nothing much escapes these days. From a personal viewpoint I started watching the Indycar series again after the unification in 2008. First went in 2010 and again in 2012 (managed to fit in the Qualification weekend too which is well worth if you can too).

So enough about me, how about a few more opinions from those who have been more often, watched longer or experienced more? I asked on twitter “In less than 140 characters, why should a potential newbie watch the Indy 500?” Not just on television this coming Sunday, but about making the trip too...

Carl Lyon ‏@LifeBeginsAt220
Nothing, NOTHING compares to Indycars running at INDY. The month of May is my X-mass. I shed tears of joy when I go thru the gates

Ang ‏@ang_adj 
To feel the rumble vibrate in your chest, hear the roar in your ears, see cars come this close to the wall & not touch it. Heaven

BCW Supplies ‏@BCWSupplies
Lap 1 is one of the most amazing moments in sports - speed, fear, anticipation and a quarter of a million fans on their feet!

Kevin Watson ‏@kevinandcompany
It is a once in a lifetime experience...even if you do it more than once.

Cat Lee Roy ‏@catleeroy
A track like no other! takes your breath away

Mike gunning ‏@eagle1bandit
It will amaze you and make you tingle like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus

Mark Laue ‏@madmax481439
Largest one day sporting event in the world

Carl Lyon ‏@LifeBeginsAt220
It is real race cars running real fast real close to each other and the wall WITH OUT TOUCHING! #LifeBeginsAt220mph

Gary Todd ‏@ridesbygary 
The speed, noise, tradition, people. It's a once in a life time experience, you can experience every year. It's May in Indiana!

David Martin @1102boomsoon 
Historic track, Milk!!!, brushing the wall at 366kph,passing galore!

LeeAnne Nash ‏@sponsorchic 
Because the difference in a lap at 220 and one at 225mph is only 1 second... and enormous amount of courage

Robert Zagorac ‏@rzagorac 
There is no other race that comes close to the action, speed and history that the Indy 500 has.

Tony Laurenzana ‏@dukedynamite 
Most of the drivers are young and easy to like. You can grow as a fan alongside the drivers growing their success.

Amy ‏@OpenWheelMom 
It is the pinnacle of racing, the most exciting 500 miles to ever be driven with cars going 224 mph plus.

Ben Haddleton ‏@bmgh85 
Sato, Sato, SATO, SATO, SATOOO, SAAAAAATTTOOOOOOOO

Indy Racing Fan ‏@indyracingfan 
500 miles of speed, prestige, history, tradition, emotion and drama

Kieran Brughelli ‏@KieranBrughelli 
The history, the drive for immortality, the process of massaging a race car, laying everything on the line to do all of the above

Carsten S. ‏@71Gonzo71 
Because it’s the most awesome race circuit around right now. You don’t fall asleep like you do at F1.

Tom Firth ‏@tfirth392 
Because the drivers have so much respect for each other on track and because it's the greatest spectacle in racing!

Scott James ‏@ScottJames23 This...about sums it up for me. Drivers hanging it all out...all the time

Deb Drake ‏@debirlfan 
Because if they're a newbie, then they've obviously missed the last 96 Indy 500s!

Megan K Bickel ‏@megankbickel 
Tradition, speed, excitement, personalities, technology, community, multi-national yet uniquely American.

Rebecca F. ‏@hermione278 
Daly.(Clearly a fan! Ed.)

Jay Tee ‏@Breakingfree086 
Newbies need to watch because there is truly nothing on this planet like it. Every emotion possible races through your body!

Vincent Venegas ‏@vindesigns2013 
It's not only the greatest race in the world it may be the most drama filled intense sporting event!!! Never a dull moment!!!

Rick Cuellar ‏@Rick_Cuellar 
History in the making. Two guys in the field that can claim their 4th win. Will be tough b/c the racing is tougher than ever.

BryanBe 500Extremist ‏@bryanbe75 
You won't see faster, closer racing during the entire calendar year. It's loud, dangerous, and you won't want to miss a lap!

F1InPubscast ‏@F1InPubscast 
In a Sanitised world it's nice to see some cars push the upper limits of speed. There's a reason why this race stands strong while all around it falls to pieces, it is one of the few legendary races left. Currently it is not running at full strength, but eras at the speedway are transitory, it always weathers the storm.

Allie ‏@emerald_229 
Lots of passing and the best chance to see a Brit win a big motor race this year?

Daniel Fawcett ‏@DanTheManF1 
It's not just cars driving round an oval. It's exciting, dramatic & unpredictable. You will spend the full 500 miles on the edge of your seat.

Lem ‏@91lem 
It's, quite simply, the greatest motor race in the world.

rantingYoof ‏@rantingyoof 
It is simply like no other experience. Even those with no interest in motorsport notice and appreciate the atmosphere.

Ewan Marshall ‏@EwanMarshall 
Sato Turn 1 2012, expected the unexpected.

Ashley Redman ‏@DJRedders 
Tension, drama, action, excitement, tears of disappointment, tears of joy, from the beginning to the final lap.

Johanna H ‏@writebend 
Because it will be a perfect antidote to Formula One with flat out, balls out, real RACING!!

You can watch the Indianapolis 500 on 26th May on ESPN UK, four and a half hours of coverage. Click here for more channel information on ESPN UK. Check your local listings for your broadcaster for details. And maybe one day, take the trip across... you will not be disappointed.

I am not really a fan of knee-jerk blogs, but, for this I make an exception, why, because we can be pretty confident things will not change between now and July!

So that was race one of the 2013 Indycar season, and what an intense, action packed, nerve shredding one it was. The race was won for the first time in his Indycar career, James Hinchcliffe, a result that has pleased a lot of fans with his off track charisma often on full show. But this gave us the first opportunity to evaluate the new TV deal we have in the UK, moving from Sky Sports to ESPN. 

The writing had been on the wall for some time, and general gut feeling was that, despite having its most entertaining season in years, Sky was going to drop their coverage, and so they did, the deal saw ESPN take over the broadcasting rights, many were worried about this and the effect it would have on their ability to keep watching on TV.

Other blogs and comments have covered this, so now to what we actually saw. The programme previous (live Rugby Union) over ran by just over five minutes, hmm, good start. Even better was Mark Durden-Smith introducing the race being from St Pitsburg (a nod to previous Eurosport commentators). Eventually this led us to the opening titles; well title would be a better description - An American flag with ‘Indycar Series Live from St Petersburg’ on display. We jumped straight to the track, and an Australian announcer, unknown to the causal or untrained fan,  Leigh Diffey. Then bang, straight to a break.

Then back after a few moments to NBCSN features taking us up to another break. Basically a cut’n’paste job to fill the gaps until the live race coverage began. At this point, we are at the mercy of NBC, with no UK studio coverage.

Something that will be an annoyance to British viewers who are not used to the American style of sports broadcasting... Commercial breaks, and plenty of them, sadly with no studio, we had them... And, a lot of them! From this point it is out of ESPN’s control, we cannot really lambast them, as much as some would like to. 

A quick word about the race coverage itself, it was the first time I heard Leigh Diffey call any races, and in one word, impressive! Good knowledge, enthusiastic, great interaction with his co-commentators and when something exciting was happening on track, he made sure we knew about it. NBCSN is often applauded for their Indycar coverage, and again they did not disappoint. Good work also from the rearranged pit reporting crew for this season, in particular Jon Beekhuis, who is a must follow on twitter, Townshend Bell has moved up to the commentary box for this season.

In summary, it is basically what we expected from ESPN, no UK studio or presentation, a direct feed from America with plenty of commercial breaks. But, credit where it is due. The programme was due to end at 7pm, but due to the number of caution periods (and length!) the show was over running by around 5 mins until the expected end of the race. To mine and many others surprise ESPN
stayed with the coverage, including post race ceremonies and interviews until  7:20pm, a welcome sight. Sadly I do feel this was a case of deal or no deal, the pre and post race content sorely misses some cohesion which we had from Keith Huewen and his studio guests. The next race is at Barber, AL, and is shown ‘as live’. I can only hope the quality of this race will convince them that the quality of on track product is up with the best in the world and deserves to be show live. The Indy Lights highlights are also being shown by ESPN (Friday @ 11am) fans of Jack Hawksworth and Pippa Mann should tune in!

A final thought, always remember to record the programme after or alter your series link record time to run over, some sky plus viewers race ended on lap...109/110...

The very long wait for 2013 season is almost over and we will soon experience the Indycar season once more. As always there has been much off track changes over the off season and we are about to start the second season of racing with the Dallara DW12.

The much vaunted different aero kits for the Dallara though still look some way off (if indeed they will ever arrive!).
 
The driver line up is the usual mix of veterans and rookies.  The team driver line ups, and class of 2013, are: 

A.J Foyt Enterprises (Honda)
With Mike Conway's brave decision to admit he is no longer willing to race on ovals, AJ Foyt have signed Takuma Sato. Having watched Sato in his British F3 days, I have a soft spot for him. Watching him dominate in British F3 in the then less fancied Carlin Racing team was spectacular.  This spectacular approach to racing does see him get involved in the odd incident but you know if the opportunity arises he is going to go for it.  AJ Foyt may only be a small team but I expect him to put some impressive performances on the road and street races with some impressive overtaking on the way.  I'd also watch for him when standing starts are used.

Andretti Autosport (Chevrolet)
Andretti keep Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe and the reigning champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay.  They have also added EJ Viso and, for Indy, Carlos Munoz. 

Marco Andretti has been in the team for a few years now but doesn't seem to have progressed and is generally in the midfield.  He does like to moan and throw his teddy out of the pram on occasion so expect a few radio messages to this effect over the season.

James Hinchcliffe is definitely the biggest character in the Indycar paddock and many drivers should learn from him on this.  Too many drivers sound bland in interviews, quoting sponsors and talking without saying anything.  In terms of his driving, he has shown significant improvement in the series and I'd be surprised if he hasn't won at least one race by the end of the season. 

Ryan Hunter-Reay has been around a while but last year was his standout year. I don't see him at the same level as Will Power but I expect he will win races this year.  I don't see him repeating the championship win though.

EJ Viso doesn't seem to be rated by many.  He can be quick and, in an Andretti car, I'd be surprised if wasn't in the top 3 in at least a couple of races (probably road courses).  He is quick on ovals but does seem to like to get affectionate with the wall too many times. Fortunately these affectionate moments are not as violent as his Magny-Cours GP2 crash a few years ago.

Carlos Munoz is only for Indy and I'd expect him to be the slowest of the Andretti cars there.
 
Barracuda Racing (Honda)
Alex Tagliani is retained.  Despite his veteran status he is guilty of a few brain fade moments.  Nevertheless I'd expect a few top 6 results out of him on the road and street courses.  Also expect someone to complain about his driving.

Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda)
Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Charlie Kimball are all retained with Graham Rahal leaving for his Father's team. 

Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon are a part of the furniture at Chip Ganassi.  They will always be a factor and wins are guaranteed. Dario is the bigger personality of the two but Scott can be unbeatable on his day and will be hoping to bounce back this year. I have a hunch Dixon will be ahead at the end of the year.
 
Charlie Kimball had some highlights last year but was largely a midfield runner. I'd expect more of the same with any highlights on the road and street courses.  A crash or two is also likely.
 
Dale Coyne Racing (Honda)
Justin Wilson is retained and for once has some continuity with a team.  Dale Coyne are not the biggest team but they have had more highlights in recent years and I would not be surprised if Justin scored a win or two.  As a fellow Yorkshireman, I've followed him throughout his career and I'm hoping the continuity will help him. hey do need to work on ovals but this will depend on the budget available.

Ana Beatriz has been drafted in very late to the team and initial practice suggests she is going to struggle.  


Dragon Racing (Chevrolet)
This team seemed to be in the news a lot over the off season and not usually for good reasons.  They have formed Team Seb with Sebastian Saavedra joining Sebastien Bourdais. Bourdais will clearly be the team leader and I wouldn't  be surprised if he won a street or road course race.  In his Champ Car domination I was more a PT fan but a Bourdais win would be welcomed in my household.  Saavedra on the other hand will be keeping Jakes company at the back.

Ed Carpenter Racing (Chevrolet)
Ed Carpenter remains the sole driver.  As he will admit, he is an oval driver.  He will no doubt challenge the bigger teams on the ovals but will struggle on the road and street courses.  He is getting better on the road and street courses but he is no Will Power.

KV Racing Technology (Chevrolet)
Tony Kanaan is retained with Simona de Silvestro added.

As a veteran of the series, Tony is a safe pair of hands and, on ovals in particular, can be spectacular on the opening lap of the race.  I can't see him reclaiming the form that took him to the 2004 championship but he will be thereabouts and a win is not out of the question.

After an impressive maiden season, Simona had a nightmare season last year with the uncompetitive Lotus engine.  Her form this year should be like night and day from 2012.  I rate her higher than Danica and I think she should prove this theory correct this year.
 
Panther Racing (Chevrolet)
The days of Panther being championship challengers with Sam Hornish Jr seem a long time ago.  Panther can be competitive on their day and with JR Hildebrand they should be able to produce some good oval performances.  Road and street courses are likely to see them more in the midfield. 

Panther Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (Honda)
Panther retain veteran Oriol Servia as their sole driver.  He is probably not as quick as he was but he is a safe pair of hands who will get the car to the chequered flag.  Top 6 performances are possible though these are less likely on the ovals.
 
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Chevrolet)
The team has expanded this year to field Graham Rahal, James Jakes and, for Long Beach, Mike Conway.

Graham Rahal is on a similar level to Marco Andretti (probably slightly better).  He doesn't have teddy throwing moments but he is guilty of being anonymous.  Will be largely in the midfield.

James Jakes is the slower of the three and will be propping up the field mostly.

Mike Conway will be quick at Long Beach but with his decision to not race on ovals it is hard to see a long term career in Indycar.  I have much respect for his decision and he has the ability to make a decent career in say sportscars like ex Penske man Ryan Briscoe.
 
Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (Honda)
Ex fan favourite, Sarah Fisher, fields a single car again for Josef Newgarden.  I watched Josef in Formula Ford in the UK many times and he looked like a talent there.  His rise to Indycar has been rapid and his debut season was respectable. I like this team and think they are capable of giving the top  teams some headaches on occasion this year.
 
Schmidt Peterson Hamilton HP Motorsports (Honda)
The Schmidt team has been the team to be in in Indy Lights for some time and, with Simon Pagenaud they looked good at times last year.  Simon has been retained and is joined by Tristan Vautier.
 
I rate Simon Pagenaud highly and wins are definitely possible. Look out for him at re-starts and the standing starts.  

I watched Tristan in Formula Palmer Audi in the UK only a few years ago and he has taken to American racing very quickly.  Over the season he will probably be behind Simon in the standings but he has potential to be an Indycar star and will run Simon close on occasion.  His practice pace at St Pete was impressive.
 
Team Penske (Chevrolet)
Penske  are not known for changing the driver line up often. Helio  Castroneves and Will Power are retained but Ryan Briscoe has left and is doing rather well in sportscars.  AJ Allmendinger is going to join for at least two races.

Helio is a great character for Indycar and loves his racing.  2012 was not his finest year and I expect him to bounce back this year. He can win on any circuit and more wins will follow this season. Sadly his chance to win the championship may have passed him by.

Will Power is The Man in Indycar when it comes to road and street courses.  His qualifying on these is equally brilliant.  His oval performances are his weaker side but are not as bad as many believe.  He is my favourite for the championship.
 
AJ Allmendinger is back for at least two races.  He would have surely have been an Indycar champion had he not moved to NASCAR and would have definitely given Bourdais and Paul Tracy something to think about.  Sadly the NASCAR adventure has not worked out entirely to plan but I don't think he has given up on the NASCAR dream and his drives in the #51 this year have been good.  AJ could well be a factor in the Indy 500.
 
Further entries will no doubt be added during the season (particularly at the Indy 500).  Enjoy Indycar 2013 and I will report of St Pete events.

By now most IndyCar fans will have read at least some of the details from the  leaked report by the Boston Consulting Group offering ways in which the sport can survive and grow in the future. Whatever you make of the suggestions it was at least good to get another perspective on the series and see what would be suggested. IndyCar is badly in need of some traction to sustain and grow a great racing series in a country that's more interested in NASCAR and a world dominated by Formula 1.

So what did BCG suggest and could any of their ideas be implemented? Here’s a selection of ideas I thought warranted the most attention from a UK perspective.

IndyCar should split the schedule into two seasons: a 15-race calendar (including three "playoff" races at the end) from April to August set in the USA and Canada and an exhibitional international series. BCG suggested the regular season go thusly: Houston, Phoenix, the Indy 500, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Pocono, Toronto, Seattle, Sonoma and Fontana. The "playoffs" portion would consist of Texas, Long Beach and the finale on the Indianapolis road course.

First of all, the schedule is not that feasible. Some of these cities might not want an IndyCar race. Why move the race from Barber to Atlanta, Georgia when the former is a) such a good event and b) a major sporting event for the State of Alabama anyway? Long Beach would never agree to move to later in the season as the date is a pretty solid tradition now (it’s kind of worrying that they were asked to compile this report and overlook something as fundamental as this).

And then there’s the “playoffs” (desperately trying not to refer to it as a “Chase”…). BCG argued for a playoff because ‘the current IndyCar schedule lacks consequence and the television ratings are at the lowest at the end of the season because the series does not have a mechanism to create suspense.’ Well anyone who thinks the final part of the IndyCar season has lacked suspense in the last few years hasn’t been watching. And IndyCar isn’t the only sport to suffer ratings drops in autumn, because that’s when the NFL starts. Of course you can avoid that by ending the series in August (and for the time being, I don’t think that would be too bad provided an international series follows and drags it out to October) but 15 races in 19 weeks is too compact a schedule for the teams to handle. At least start in late March like we do already, maybe even a little earlier. A race the week before Formula 1 begins would have a good chance of attracting a few new international fans.

Of course as a UK fan the international series (presumably a separate championship rather than just a bunch of races) has massive appeal to me because of the possibility of coming back to Rockingham. Given the recent tendency for the UK to experience summery weather into September it would also be a pretty good time of year, especially if it was an oval race. A March-August +  September-October IndyCar season has its merits, but needs serious consideration before races like Baltimore start being brought forward earlier.

The biggest talking point from this has been the possibility of a second Indy race. Now, I would love a 400-mile night race on the oval but that endangers diluting the 500’s appeal too much. Some have said that even the road race would do that. And of course, the configuration isn’t that great. But if it could be improved a little with the state funding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is going to start receiving, why not? As good as the final races have been (well, if you count Kentucky as 2011’s final race), another race at Indy would be much more likely to draw in a good crowd worthy of a final round and possible championship decider. BCG suggested a road race could bring in over $4 million dollars to IMS. Even half that wouldn’t be bad going for one race.

IndyCar should reduce the Leaders' Circle subsidy payments to teams and put the funds into a weekly purse based on performance.

IndyCar has a revenue-sharing model that gives money to teams up-front and less as bonuses for winning or doing well in races. Why shouldn’t the winners get more money? And if a small team has a good result, the financial boost relative to their peers could be significant. With more money, the big teams could invest in things like custom aerodynamic packages that would bring in an added element to the series and potentially grow the sport - many current IndyCar fans are not too happy about it being completely spec, even with some engine competition. The problem is that for all the benefits that such a move could bring the fact is the Leaders’ Circle money is a vital part of many teams’ budgets. IndyCar would definitely lose teams in the short-term were the plug to be pulled instantly. If the series were to make this reform, it would probably have to be gradual and hopefully in tandem with the growth of the series to ensure as many teams as possible survive.

Focus groups suggest IndyCar should market itself as being more about daredevil drivers and less about the off-track personalities; less about science and engineering and more about speed; overtaking rather than the cheap thrill of crashing; IndyCar should have different kinds of tracks rather than mainly be ovals.

You won’t get any argument from me about the last two. I love IndyCar for its ovals, but I’m not a NASCAR fan because it’s almost all ovals. Passing is definitely preferable to big crashes. The second point puzzles me a little as I’m not sure why it has to be an either/or issue; market the cars and the speed (and indeed, speed as a consequence of the cars). If IndyCar could allow a little more innovation then it could make it more appealing and grow the sport and the speeds would go up anyway.

What I take issue with is the very first point: “daredevil drivers” over
personalities. One only has to look at the fan bases of James Hinchcliffe and Josef Newgarden to see the power of personality. F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso won himself many new fans when he joined Twitter and became active in using social media. I was never much of a Power fan but after a season of following IndyCar closely his personality appealed to me, far more than his  obvious skill. Ah, you might say, that’s not really helping the sport itself, is it? Not much, no. I don’t think it really helps a great deal either way to be honest, but failing to market the drivers properly isn’t a recipe for success in my view. If Hinchcliffe was to move to NASCAR I’d probably watch every race, so personality definitely has something to be said for it. It also seems odd to me that a report that argues against the gimmick of big wrecks then says that the dangerous nature of the job should be the focus of promotion.

As the report itself says, there are no quick fixes and the series suffers most from a lack of awareness. There are some ideas worth considering from the report but I’ve heard plenty of others from journalists, people on twitter and anonymous fans in comments sections. The sport really needs to market its product better , more than the need to make the product more appealing. So whilst IndyCar ponders the BCG’s report and takes its ideas on board it also needs to look further, take stock of what makes it so appealing to its current fans and make itself aware to new ones. Costly improvements and tinkering with  the product can preferably wait until the series and teams can absorb them. Some would argue the time for IndyCar to sacrifice a few teams to make the series more appealing has already come. Maybe it has. But I think there’s still much to be done on the marketing side before such a difficult decision has to be made.

So after many anxious months, waiting with baited breath we finally have news about  the UK TV coverage of IndyCar, with ESPN coming out on top. The news has inevitably and understandably caused a lot of debate and a fair bit of consternation amongst fans, as for most it will mean yet another subscription fee. Whether ESPN’s coverage will be worth this extra cost only time will tell, but I do worry that it may isolate even more people from a great racing series that is already under-reported and broadcast here in the UK. 

It will certainly be interesting to see how ESPN approach the job after so many years of Sky Sports coverage. Personally I always rather enjoyed Sky’s Indy Car programs. The excellent Keith Heuwen and various studio guests gamely filling the numerous US ad breaks with insight or, more often, banter. On this note special mention must go to Johnny Mowlem, Marino Franchitti and Thomas Sheckter as they always seemed to brighten up proceedings, and not just with an array of dodgy shirts! Seriously though, the presentation package couldn’t really be faulted. In particular the way they handled the impossibly difficult circumstances and emotion following the ill-fated Las Vegas event that took the life of Dan Wheldon was both sensitive yet professional. The shared sense of grief, loss and shock resonated with all stunned and devastated fans watching the tragic events unfold and earned a great deal of respect among the IndyCar family. I know I for one will miss Keith and co come 24th March and I thank them for their involvement in and passion for the sport over the years. It will be very strange without them after so long.

Having said all that though, it also has to be said that Sky Sports could and should  have treated IndyCar a whole lot better than they did. Most weeks it was tucked away on SS4 whilst they showed re-runs or old programs on the three main Sports channels. And far too often it was relegated to red button, causing havoc for people attempting to record the race. On several occasions I have come home looking forward to watching IndyCar only to find the program ‘starting’ on lap 40-something as they’d begun broadcasting on red button. It always bemused me that they had a dedicated F1 channel that on all but 19 race weekends shows nothing but re-runs of old races or interviews. What was stopping them making it Sky Motorsports and showing other forms of motor-racing as well? Indy & F1 very rarely clashed due to the time zone differences, so it wouldn’t have been too difficult to do. 

No, I’m afraid apart from the actual presentation, Sky’s treatment of IndyCar was bordering on contemptuous, chopping and changing, pushing it aside for Tiddly Winks Championships or some such non-event. On one occasion I actually missed a rain delayed race completely as they, without any notification to fans, showed the rescheduled event on SS4 red button with no replay on normal broadcast or red button. Everything else was reshown ad infinitum, but not IndyCar. 

There’s no reason that a major sporting series with such a large British involvement should be so poorly covered and publicised in the UK. We have several high profile British drivers competing, including a four time series champion and three time Indy500 winner, yet still it’s treated with less respect than Poker and Darts! It really does beggar belief as there is a huge UK fan base that would no doubt grow given better TV and media support. 
 
Of course poor coverage and the lottery of TV rights is nothing new to Indycar fans sadly. Back in the days of ChampCar & CART every off season felt like Russian roulette as to which minor Satellite channel would crucify the races ahead. I still have nightmares about the British Eurosport days, with its unpredictable start times, lousy commentary, disappearing feeds/signals and heavy emphasis on Icelandic Ski-Jumping that didn’t have a Brit in sight. 
 
We IndyCar fans are certainly a resilient lot, let’s face it, with year after year of sub-standard coverage of the sport we love, we’ve had to be. Getting used to taking whatever we can get when we all know IndyCar and its numerous UK fans deserve far better.

At present details of ESPN’s plans are still rather vague and sketchy, so we don’t know whether we’re looking at live or delayed coverage or even how many races will be shown. So for now, yet again, we can do little more than wait to see what develops, hoping that our subscription fees take us closer to the quality coverage we crave and not back to the future.

(Ed. ESPN UK have announced they have live rights, but if there is a clash with a 'high profile' event, the coverage could be delayed.)