KV Racing Technology

This is another squad that is has a big question mark hanging over it's head. The loss of the Surfers Paradise race has reulted in the departure of the Aussie Vinyards sponsorship deal that was their only steady outside funding in '08. Team owners Jimmy Vasser & Kevin Kalkhoven publicly insist that: a) other potential sponsors have been knocking on their door, & b) they will field two cars again in '09 come what may (& Kevin does have some pretty deep pockets). I guess that we can only wait & see on this one. Drivers Oriol Seriva & Will Power have both expressed a desire to stay with the team, & there is no reason to believe that they would be dropped (unless a driver with a sponsorship seal came calling?).

Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing

Graham Rahal looks to be secure for '09. Like Ryan Hunter-Reay over at RLR, Justin Wilson has been told that they are working to secure a deal for him, but they won't stand in his way if he can find work elsewhere. Meanwhile, former F1 pilot Robert Doornbos has been calling, & is trying to secure a ride with either NHL or HVM.

HVM Racing

E.J. Viso has been signed for '09. HVM plans on fielding a second car. As mentioned just above, Doornbos is considered to be the top candidate.

Conquest Racing

As far as I've been able to determine, this should be a two car squad yet again in '09. Given how effusive that the team was in their praise of Alex Tagliani's performance during Enrique Bernoldi's recouperation, I would expect that Tags will get to keep that seat full time. Jaime Camara should also be back for his sophmore campaign.

Dale Coyne Racing

I have no reason to currently expect that young Mario Moraes won't be back in '09, as he was clearly finding his feet by the back half of last season. Despite his experience, I do have to wonder if they will keep Burno Junqueira, as he had a tendency to air his grievences with the team to the media. Only time will tell...

Pacific Coast Motorsports

PCM should remain a one car squad in '09, with Mario Dominguez behind the wheel. The big question for them will be: can they find enough sponsorship support to run a full schedule?

Sarah Fisher Racing

Sarah is still trying to hammer out her sponsorship deal(s?) for '09. I wouldn't look for more than an "all ovals" program - at the most - from her.

Team 3G

Nobody has heard word one from this "squad" since they annouced their intentions to go racing in '09, with former stunt driver/occasional NASCAR minor-leaguer Stanton Barrett driving. This one still looks like a non-starter to me...

And one more thing...

Forsythe Racing

The big name CCWS squad that DIDN'T make the move to IndyCar back in February does not have any plans to join the party come next season either, preferring to concentrate on their Toyota Atlantics program for '09. At this point, I suspect that we won't see them until the '11 season, when the new chassis/engine specs take effect.     

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