Some of the most talented racers in the IndyCar series will probably be looking for a new job as the economic challenges facing the series are taking their toll on teams and sponsors.
First off, Rahal Letterman Racing is almost certain to lose its Ethanol sponsorship and it will be a major blow to the team who is trying to find other sources of revenue to get back on the grid in 2009.
That situation leaves Ryan Hunter-Reay in a tough spot and the Watkins Glen race winner is looking at all his options.
Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing is also short on money for 2009 and although it has picked up the option on Graham Rahal, because it still has McDonald's on board as a sponsor, that leaves Justin Wilson looking for employment opportunities elsewhere.
"They thought they had a sponsor lined up but it fell through," tells Wilson. "So they told me I need to put my own interests first."
Same situation for Will Power and Oriol Servia who's KV Racing team is scrambling to find sponsorship after the expected exit of Craig Gore's Aussies Vineyards money following the cancellation of the Australian race.
"It's frustrating and mentally draining," said Hunter-Reay. "You do a good job and then you don't know if you're going to even have a job. Justin, Will, Oriol and I were standing around at the banquet saying, 'Man, this is ridiculous."
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com
First off, Rahal Letterman Racing is almost certain to lose its Ethanol sponsorship and it will be a major blow to the team who is trying to find other sources of revenue to get back on the grid in 2009.
That situation leaves Ryan Hunter-Reay in a tough spot and the Watkins Glen race winner is looking at all his options.
Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing is also short on money for 2009 and although it has picked up the option on Graham Rahal, because it still has McDonald's on board as a sponsor, that leaves Justin Wilson looking for employment opportunities elsewhere.
"They thought they had a sponsor lined up but it fell through," tells Wilson. "So they told me I need to put my own interests first."
Same situation for Will Power and Oriol Servia who's KV Racing team is scrambling to find sponsorship after the expected exit of Craig Gore's Aussies Vineyards money following the cancellation of the Australian race.
"It's frustrating and mentally draining," said Hunter-Reay. "You do a good job and then you don't know if you're going to even have a job. Justin, Will, Oriol and I were standing around at the banquet saying, 'Man, this is ridiculous."
photo:Philippe Champoux - Auto123.com