The 2009 field is pretty much set

[MDS]

We’re a month and a half away, and based on the rumors I’m hearing Silly Season is pretty much at an end. So here is what we have, and it’s a pretty bleak picture. I only count six to ten legitimate sponsors, seven single car teams, and at least six ride buyers. That said, seven single car teams in a 22-car field isn’t all bad. Conceivably, as the sport grows stronger a number of those teams could expand and realistically lift the field to the 24-26 range in a year or two. The down side is, one car teams fold quicker.

22 Full time teams

Andretti Green Racing
7- Danica Patrick Motorola
11- Tony Kannan 7-11
26- Marco Andretti TBA
27- Hideki Mutoh Honda

Conquest Racing
36- Alex Tagliani

Dale Coyne Racing
16- (I'm hearing Nelson Phillipe has bought the seat)
18- Bruno Junqueria Zline Designs

Dryer & Reinbold Racing
??- Mike Conway

HVM Racing
33- E.J. Viso PDVSA

Luczo Dragon Racing
12- Raphael Matos

Newman Hass Racing
02- Robert Doornbos ING, Redbull
06- Graham Rahal McDonalds
??- Milka Duno Citgo

Panther Racing
4- Dan Wheldon

Team Penske
3-Will Power Sponsor who must not be named
6-Ryan Brisco Sponsor who must not be named

Team 3G
?? Stanton Barrett

PVRT
5- Mario Moreas

PCM/Rubicon
15-Buddy Rice

Target Chip Ganassi Racing
9- Scott Dixon Target
10- Dario Franchetti Target

Vision Racing
20- Ed Carpenter TonyBux

[Hoop-98]

in 2009 Bleak is the new ab fab....

I will be impressed if they have 22 in this climate, dealers that I call on that were selling 450 cars a month are now doing 70, it aint an excuse, it is what it is...


rh

[drewdawg727]

PVRT? What happened to PKV?

[IWUTitan90]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...february-11th/

RM: My information about Bobby D's sponsorship is incorrect, as I will share a letter I received this week.

“Dear Robin, can I clarify that your assertion in the below speedtv article that Robert Doornbos is bring ING sponsorship money with him to the US is entirely incorrect in all aspects. We are not entering IRL, and we do not sponsor Robert Doornbos.

Our work with Robert was limited to driver appearances during the Bavaria City race held in Rotterdam in 2007 and 2008. I would be very grateful is you could remove this inaccuracy from the article.

Jon Tracey
Director, Press & PR ING Formula 1 Programme.”

Appears Doornbos may be coming but ING is not.

[Dr. Krogshöj]

Unfortunately one of my two favourite drivers (Justin Wilson and Tony Kanaan) is left without a seat. As is Ryan Hunter-Reay, Oriol Servia and Paul Tracy. But we can't complain in this climate, there will be an IndyCar series after all. Go Stanton Barrett and Milka Duno!

[BobGarage]

PVRT? What happened to PKV?

think he got his letters mixed up.

pkv didn't race last year. KVRT did (Kalkhoven Vasser Racing Technologies). The P (Dan Pettit) dropped out of the team before Champ Car disolved and the team changed their name to KVRT before the start of last season.

[Claus Hansen]

Is Tony Kanaan not confirmed ????

[beachbum]

Is Tony Kanaan not confirmed ????

I got the same impression, but then read the post again

Unfortunately one of my two favourite drivers (Justin Wilson and Tony Kanaan) is left without a seat.

Just one is without a seat - Wilson

I today's economic climate, having 22 somewhat confirmed is pretty amazing. The other major series in the US is having trouble getting sponsors for established, winning teams. The future for that racing for the middle of their season is pretty bleak as it is unlikely they will have full fields. If they do, the field may be filled out with more qualify and park teams living off the prize money paid just to start.

[drewdawg727]

Didn't Sarah Fisher have everything completely put together to run a full season in 2009 as well?

[MDS]

My understanding is she has enough sponsorship to run at least Kentucky, Kansas and Indy, and probably a couple more ovals, but I don't think she's going to make more than 10 starts.