Team Penske
While the team lost beloved manager Tom Wurtz, Penske remains a force to be reckoned with. Three heavily sponsored drivers will try to make as much noise as their free-spending corporate partners did during the past few weeks.
Will Power is back for a third season and will definitely battle for the crown as a formidable racer not only on road courses but now on oval tracks as well.
Helio Castroneves is continuing a 12-year marriage with Penske (the longest active tenure in open-wheel racing) and aspiring to become champion for the first time. He will have to deliver a more steady performance throughout the season, however.
Finally, Ryan Briscoe will complete the trio despite a lacklustre 2010 season that made his return questionable. His father-son relationship with Roger Penske prevailed. He'd better stand out this year, though, or else he will get the boot for real.
Andretti Autosports
The off-season proved relatively eventful and difficult for Andretti Autosports with the loss of veteran driver Tony Kanaan as well as sponsors 7-Eleven and IZOD (the latter joining Penske).
Following Kanaan's exit, Ryan Hunter-Reay becomes the clear leader at Andretti, especially with strong backing from DHL that will guarantee a full season of action.
Danica Patrick comes back for a fifth year after ending up with a career-low 10th place in 2010. Once again, she will split time between IndyCar and NASCAR (Nationwide), which many agree is a mistake.
Despite losing most of his financial partners, the promising yet unproductive Marco Andretti will saddle up in 2011. Clearly, having that last name means a lot.
Mike Conway joins Andretti Autosports for the upcoming season thanks to the support of his father, a wealthy businessman from the U.K. Conway is not a bad driver, but he needs a true mentor in order to progress. He had his chance with Justin Wilson last year at Dreyer & Reinbold, but a crash in Indianapolis prematurely ended his season.
While the team lost beloved manager Tom Wurtz, Penske remains a force to be reckoned with. Three heavily sponsored drivers will try to make as much noise as their free-spending corporate partners did during the past few weeks.
Will Power is back for a third season and will definitely battle for the crown as a formidable racer not only on road courses but now on oval tracks as well.
Helio Castroneves is continuing a 12-year marriage with Penske (the longest active tenure in open-wheel racing) and aspiring to become champion for the first time. He will have to deliver a more steady performance throughout the season, however.
 |
| Ryan Briscoe, Penske Racing (Photo: indycar.com) |
Finally, Ryan Briscoe will complete the trio despite a lacklustre 2010 season that made his return questionable. His father-son relationship with Roger Penske prevailed. He'd better stand out this year, though, or else he will get the boot for real.
Andretti Autosports
The off-season proved relatively eventful and difficult for Andretti Autosports with the loss of veteran driver Tony Kanaan as well as sponsors 7-Eleven and IZOD (the latter joining Penske).
Following Kanaan's exit, Ryan Hunter-Reay becomes the clear leader at Andretti, especially with strong backing from DHL that will guarantee a full season of action.
 |
| Danica Patrick, Andretti Autosport (Photo: indycar.com) |
Danica Patrick comes back for a fifth year after ending up with a career-low 10th place in 2010. Once again, she will split time between IndyCar and NASCAR (Nationwide), which many agree is a mistake.
Despite losing most of his financial partners, the promising yet unproductive Marco Andretti will saddle up in 2011. Clearly, having that last name means a lot.
Mike Conway joins Andretti Autosports for the upcoming season thanks to the support of his father, a wealthy businessman from the U.K. Conway is not a bad driver, but he needs a true mentor in order to progress. He had his chance with Justin Wilson last year at Dreyer & Reinbold, but a crash in Indianapolis prematurely ended his season.