The Indy Racing League will celebrate its top three finishers on a podium at the end of its races this year, rather than recognizing only the top driver in victory lane as it has done in the past.
Detroit was one of two IRL races
with room for the top three last
year.
The move is considered a way to boost visibility for drivers and sponsors who finish in the top three. Only the speedways at Indianapolis and Texas are expected to stick with the single-driver celebration.
“It makes the sponsors happy and helps them see a return, and it’s good for driver identity as well,” Terry Angstadt, president of the IRL’s commercial division. “If Danica (Patrick) finishes second or third, why not have her up there.”
The concept of a podium finish, which is also used in Formula One racing and has been a staple of many road-racing circuits, was brought to Angstadt’s attention late last season by members of Rahal Letterman Racing, although other teams have favored the change as well.
The IRL used a podium-style victory lane for two of its road-course races last season at Detroit and St. Petersburg, Fla.
“Being on the podium is a symbol of success, and being able to spread the success across the top three finishers is positive for the sport and the teams,” said Tim Cindric, president of Penske Racing. “I’ve been a part of teams where a podium finish feels like a victory and it might make the season for some teams, especially when it comes to finding sponsorship. To put a CEO in that forum with Roger Penske, there’s a great connection there.”
Victory lane, as an asset, belongs to the track, Angstadt said, so the IRL is not expected to sell sponsorship to the podium.
