The History of Indy Car
IndyCar is one of the well known open wheel racing in the world. Even though its centerpiece, “Indianapolis 500-Mile Race”, is considered as one of the very oldest events in the motor racing history, the history of the current IndyCar begins in the year 1994. During this year, Tony George, who is the president as well as the CEO of “Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation”, found the IRL or Indy Racing League. IRL started racing in the year 1996, creating a separate group of drivers as well as team owners from the CART, which had authorized the Indy racing since the year 1979.
Tony claimed that CART championship was very expensive for the teams. It had many foreign drivers and diverted from the American customs of the oval racing by including more road course races to suit the Formula 1 as well as the Formula 3000 drivers. Some people suggest that the efforts of Tony George to run his series were backed by Bernie Ecclestone, who is a F1 supremo. He considered the CART races as a possible threat for the F1′s domination.
There was also a litigation involving the usage of the ‘IndyCar’ trademark. This was settled off-court during December 1996. The condition of the final settlement agreement was not completely disclosed. However, from the year 1997, CART series did not include “IndyCar” anymore. IRL was also not able to use the name before the year 2002. The first IRL schedule consists only three races, which included the 500 and Indy 500, were the virtual drivers coming out of the retirement.
However, the previous F1 vice-champion, late “Michele Alboreto”, participated as a draftee in al the three rounds and finished 11th position in the championship. The race was won by “Buddy Lazier”, who is an American veteran.
