That still leaves 15 different race winners from the past three years, out of 27 entries. Subtract Enrique Bernoldi, Jaime Camara, Jay Howard, Mario Moraes, and E.J. Viso-the series’ five true rookies this season - from the equation, and the tally is 15 out of 22 experienced drivers with wins in the past three seasons.
Only eight of Formula One’s 22 current drivers have ever even won races - forget the past three years. Although the sport goes through drivers like a baby through diapers sometimes, shuffling out consistency and experience for youth and quickness, it should be noted that only three of this season’s drivers were not in the series’ paddock last year.
Which series sounds more competitive to you?
If Formula One fans are not dismayed by the fact that IndyCar Series racing offers more drivers and teams a chance to win races, they also have the Champ Car unification story to consider. With 10 drivers and six teams having switched series for this season, the IndyCar Series has two distinct marketing advantages: one, that American open-wheel racing can finally define a single true champion; and two, that they can play up any major gains by Champ Car drivers in the new series, with Rahal’s win in his first start at St. Petersburg only the first big story.
Watching the Champ Car teams get accustomed to (and perhaps one day dominate) the ovals of the IndyCar Series is an occurrence many fans can look forward to. By 2011, when new cars and engines are introduced, both Champ Car and IndyCar teams should be on even footing.
The facts don’t lie. IndyCar racing is simply a more competitive and more entertaining form of open wheel racing than Formula One at this point, and it appears destined to continue on its upward swing for a very long time.
The Indianapolis 500 undeniably is a legitimate race again, despite years of claims from purists that series owner Tony George tainted the race by creating the IRL to feature it.
Drivers are excited to compete in the new series, with many of them no longer even considering NASCAR offers. Fans are excited to see all of their favorite stars competing in the same place again. Perhaps most of all, executives are excited for the series’ future prospects, with many projecting an eminent boom for the series—more sponsors, more chassis and engine manufacturers, more teams and drivers, more races in more locations.
Truth be told, it’s only a matter of time before Formula One fans grow tired of the sport’s politics and parades and shift their allegiances to the Indy Racing League.
Things are different now.
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