Indy Pro Series Prepares for an Encore After Record-Breaking Year

Season of Superlatives Demands a Repeat Performance in 2008

by Allan Brewer
allan@indyproracer.com

The question for the Indy Pro Series must be “What can I do for an encore?”.

Exactly what do you do after a record-breaking season powered by Sam Schmidt Motorsports’ Alex Lloyd? How do you top a season-ender in Chicago that set a new benchmark for “close finish”?

Given the number of competitors, and the talent level, that came to the Indy Pro Series in 2007 it was inconceivable in March that any driver would collect more than a handful of victories.

Alex Lloyd’s ability and desire, however, proved so great that fans were treated to a season that rewrote the record books.

Logan Gomez’s incredible 0.0005 second victory over Alex Lloyd defies belief until you see the photo-finish that has him edging out his teammate by (literally) a nose.

Both accomplishments underscore a season of superlatives that spanned Lloyd’s unprecedented five-straight victories to a record $3.7 million payout that brought more competitors and greater competition than ever before.

Numbers Are Up, Interest at a New High

The Indy Pro Series’ average twenty-three starters in 2007 was up by nearly half the previous year’s grid.

It easily bested IndyCar’s seventeen regulars on race weekend.

Roger Bailey, executive director of the Indy Pro Series described the quantity and quality of the talent as the best he’s seen. A total of 43 drivers and 29 teams participated over the course of the Indy Pro Series season.

“This truly was the best year so far in the six seasons of the Indy Pro Series,” he said. “The on-track action continued to be very competitive and the equipment continued to prove to be highly reliable."

“What’s most exciting is the increased level of participation by teams and sponsors. We saw so much growth in 2007, but we’re poised and ready for even more growth in 2008. The level of interest at this point of the year far and away surpasses what we’ve seen in previous years.”

Jaime Camara (L) and Roger Bailey. Photo: RonMcQueeneyIRL

Indy Pro Series Poised for More Growth in 2008

Long-time observers of the series agree that 2007 was a year to remember. They also see great things coming in 2008, and beyond.

Sam Schmidt, whose team has won three of the last Indy Pro Series drivers’ championships, has watched the growth of the developmental league from its inception.

“The current status and car count is a reflection of not just one magic program,” he said. “It’s been an evolution, starting with a consistent, reliable and affordable engine package, factoring in the prize money, which makes this series relatively affordable, and the addition of road-course racing.”

Some drivers are already announcing Indy Pro Series sponsorship arrangements for next year.

Adam Andretti went public with a deal earlier this week that includes exposure on a reality TV series.

Playa Del Racing’s Al Unser III brought his Ethos forEarth sponsors to Chicagoland last weekend to tout a full season of racing for the team.

More news about sponsorship and drivers is expected to emerge over the next several months, leading into preseason testing in late February and early March, 2008.

In those plans are thought to be a possible return of Cheever Racing, perhaps with a mixed IndyCar/Indy Pro Series season for driver Richard Antinucci.

Diverse Schedule Appeals to Drivers and Teams

Part of the popularity of the Indy Pro Series this year was its diverse schedule that included road courses, street races, and ovals. Many of those events took place at some of the most famous racing venues in the world.

The innovative “doubleheader weekends” created value for the teams that was too tantalizing to pass up.

The wide variety of circuits demanded that the best driver prove him or herself an accomplished and well-rounded racer, not simply someone with a heavy right foot.

“When you look at the Indy Pro Series as a training ground, there’s no better place for drivers and team members to hone their skills,” Bailey said. “You have to learn to master road courses, short ovals like Iowa, speedways like Chicagoland and superspeedways like Indianapolis.”

“Once you’ve proven yourself on all of those circuits, you can feel confident that you’re ready to advance to the next level.”

Wade Cunningham. Photo: RonMcQueeneyIRL

Mutoh and Lloyd Lead Indy Pro Series Movers to IndyCar

Promotion to the Indy Racing League’s premier competitive level, IndyCar, remains the aspiration of every Indy Pro Series driver.

IndyCar regulars Marco Andretti and AJ Foyt IV are only two Indy Pro Series graduates of years past to claim a seat in the big cars. Former Rahal Letterman driver Jeff Simmons stood out in the IPS, as did Mark Taylor and PJ Chesson.

Super Aguri Panther Racing’s Hideki Mutoh took his place in IndyCar with a drive in the Chicagoland Speedway event last weekend and outperformed veteran drivers on his way to setting the race’s fastest lap.

“Hideki proved to be a quick study,” said Roger Bailey. “I think we’ll see him and at least two or three other deserving graduates competing in the IndyCar Series next season.”

Alex Lloyd is a lock to hook up with a strong IndyCar Series team for 2008. His record most laps-led, eight victories and twelve front-row Indy Pro Series starts give him perhaps the strongest resume ever proferred by an incoming IndyCar true rookie.

“I think the Indy Pro Series is by far the strongest open wheel feeder championship in America right now,” said Alex Lloyd at season’s end. “The cars do a great job in preparing drivers for IndyCar.”

Wade Cunningham and Jaime Camara at AFS Racing/Andretti Green seem likely to get another look in the off-season; as does Andrew Prendeville at RLR Andersen Racing.

Strong Indy Pro Series Benefits IndyCar Series

Unsaid in these comments remains the reality that a strong Indy Pro Series benefits the IndyCar Series.

Alex Lloyd (L) and Chief Mechanic John Roof, Jr. Photo: RonMcQueeneyIRL

As veteran IndyCar drivers mature and their racing interests change, someone has to be ready to step up in class and take their place.

Furthermore, that someone needs to have the skills and the experience to ramp up quickly to American open-wheel racing's greatest challenges and richest rewards.

The switch from a monoshock front suspension to dual shocks, modifications of the wing package (that favorably changed the balance of the IPS Dallara), and strong competitive challenges on the track have all contributed to the Indy Pro Series' surge in esteem within the last twelve months.

Four 2007 Indy Car teams (Andretti Green, Chip Ganassi, Panther Racing and RLR) understood the value of additional testing and more than passing acquaintance with the talented drivers of the Indy Pro Series season.

Look for more IndyCar teams to exploit this built-in advantage during 2008 with Indy Pro Series affiliation.

Fans Notice Exceptional Performance in Indy Pro Series

Finally, the most important audience of all—the people who buy the tickets—noticed the compelling action of the 2007 Indy Pro Series season.

They spoke in confirmation of a terrific new champion as Alex Lloyd took home another honor Wednesday (September 12th) evening. Lloyd won the INDY DownForce Indy Pro Series “Most Popular Driver Award”, voted on by the fans.

“It means a lot,” he said, “especially since I’m a new driver over here and I’m from England, so not many people knew me.”

“To win an award from the fans, the people who make my job possible, is a pleasure. It’s been a great year for me. This just tops it off.”