No one faster -- or better -- than series champ Dixon in 2008

About the only weakness Scott Dixon showed during his championship IndyCar Series season was underperforming on road courses. Still, the popular New Zealander did more than enough on the ovals to earn John Oreovicz's nod as the top IRL driver in 2008.

Castroneves' uncertain future putting the pinch on Team Penske

Roger Penske is playing the waiting game with Helio Castroneves. Does the IndyCar Series team owner fill Helio's seat now or wait till the driver stands trial on tax-evasion charges? That's a tough one, writes John Oreovicz.

Franchitti, Wheldon, Meira debut with new teams at Australia's Gold Coast

It wasn't all fun and games at Surfers Paradise. For some IndyCar Series teams, the exhibition race on the streets of Australia's Gold Coast was a chance to get acquainted with their new drivers -- or in Dario Franchitti's case, renew old friendships, writes John Oreovicz.

Briscoe, Dixon put on one heckuva show at Surfers Paradise

The 2008 IndyCar Series championship was decided seven weeks ago at Chicagoland Speedway. But that didn't stop the IRL from staging arguably the most exciting open-wheel race the Gold Coast has ever seen, writes John Oreovicz.

Indy 300 eludes Power for third straight year as Briscoe takes win

Ryan Briscoe has won the Indy 300, taking the lead when fellow Australian and pole sitter Will Power crashed out on the 17th lap.

Power bests Dixon on final lap of qualifying, putting him on pole for third time

Will Power won his third straight Indy 300 pole position Saturday, overtaking Scott Dixon with seconds left in qualifying.

Power turns quickest practice lap at Surfers Paradise

Will Power had the fastest time in practice Friday for the Indy 300, putting him in a strong spot to secure his third straight pole position in his home race.

Franchitti's return, Helio's availability highlight Surfers Paradise finale

So what if this weekend's IndyCar finale at Surfers Paradise is a non-points venture. "Without championship points," explains Dario Franchitti, who makes his return to open-wheel racing on Australia's Gold Coast, "[the fans] might even get a bigger show than they were expecting."

IRL, local organizers to discuss Indy 300's future

The IRL and local organizers are meeting this week to discuss the future of the Surfers Paradise race, which is not on the 2009 Indy Racing League schedule. A decision is expected in about two weeks.

American Champ car driver Ryan Hunter-Reay rides a jetski with an unidentified girl at the Broadwater on the Gold Coast, Australia...

2008 campaign offered the best of times, the worst of times

If you like roller coasters, you probably liked the 2008 IndyCar season. The highs? The open-wheel merger, Scott Dixon's mastery at Indy, Danica's historic first win. The lows? Helio's tax-evasion indictment and the passing of a legend. John Oreovicz recaps the season.

Superbike standout Spies hopes to squeeze into MotoGP paddock in 2009

AP Photo/Michael Conroy Indianapolis GP winner Valentino Rossi, left, leads Ben Spies in the opening laps of Sunday's race. MotoGP: Spies conti...

Kanaan re-signing with Andretti puts more heat on Ganassi team

It's no secret the Andretti Green Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing teams don't like eachother very much. Add the recent derby for star driver Tony Kanaan, who elected to stay at AGR, to the mix and things are only getting bitter -- er, better, writes John Oreovicz.