IndyCar Drivers Bullish On Series Landscape As Season Starts

IndyCar's '18 season begins today with the Firestone GP of St. Petersburg, and there is an "overall sense of solidarity, stability and an awareness of the duty each member" of the series has in cultivating its future. The series' momentum "is tangible." Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay said, "This is definitely a different landscape in open-wheel racing than we’ve seen for quite some time now. As far back as I can remember, this is the healthiest we’ve been as a series." Tony Kanaan added, "Look at the all of the teams, look at the sponsors, the new drivers. At least since ‘The Split,’ this is the healthiest we’ve been. And I’m not just saying that to make IndyCar look good. There’s proof" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/9). The INDIANAPOLIS STAR's Jim Ayello: "5 Things I Think Ahead Of The IndyCar Season-Opener In St. Petersburg."