Stars aligned in open-wheel world

From Danica to Dario to the new title sponsor for the IndyCar Series, the world of open-wheel racing has a lot to be thankful for in 2009 ... and beyond.

Power to run full-time for Penske in 2010

Fresh off the announcement of a new title sponsor, the IZOD IndyCar Series got another boost Thursday when Penske Racing revealed plans to run a third full-time entry in 2010 for Australian driver Will Power.

What's the point(s)? Just another IRL cliffhanger

...season. Dario Franchitti edged his Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon, with Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe right in the mix as well. At about this time a year ago, I wrote a...

FT. WORTH , TX - JUNE 05: Ryan Briscoe drives his #6 Team Penske Dallara Honda during qualifying for the IRL IndyCar Series Bombardier Learjet...

From left, IRL drivers Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, and Ryan Briscoe, of Australia, celebrate after finishing the racing season at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway in Homestead...

2009 Power Rankings: Final

After each race of the IndyCar Series season, ESPN.com open-wheel correspondent John Oreovicz ranked the top 10 drivers in the series. Don't agre...

Franchitti plays Miami hand perfectly

Dario Franchitti made an alternate pit strategy pay off perfectly at Homestead, winning the race and the IndyCar Series title. Is an encore on tap for 2010? Stay tuned.

Franchitti caps return with another title

Dario Franchitti's return to IndyCar racing couldn't have gone better. He's the IRL champion once again.

Franchitti gains point on leader Dixon

Scott Dixon enters as the leader, four points ahead of teammate Dario Franchitti -- who gained a point by winning the pole in Friday qualifying -- and eight ahead of Briscoe.

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 09: Ryan Briscoe (L) driver of the #6 Team Penske Dallara Honda, team owner Roger Penske and Helio Castroneves...

JOLIET, IL- AUGUST 29: Ryan Briscoe, driver of the #6 Team Penske Honda Dallara, drives in front of Scott Dixon, driver of...

Point leader of this season Ryan Briscoe of Australia, second left, Helio Castroneves of Brazil, left, and Dan Wheldon of England, react during...

2009 Power Rankings: Homestead

After each race of the IndyCar Series season, ESPN.com open-wheel correspondent John Oreovicz will rank the top 10 drivers in the series. Don't a...

Ryan Briscoe of Australia stops in the pit to repair the left-front suspension in the IndyCar Series...

Dixon win sets up three-way finale fight

Scott Dixon needed a break, and he got it when Ryan Briscoe had a bad exit from the pits at Motegi. Dixon's win sets up a finale title fight at Homestead that includes teammate Dario Franchitti.