Paul Tracy

By Andrew Cutler
June 24 2010

It is a sad fact of life that, given the current state of affairs in the IndyCar Series (and the economy in general), many a qualified driver goes wnating for a secure full season drive. This year, that problem seems to be playing itself out more dramatically than ever.

And yet, the three drivers whom the fans would probably agree are the most deserving of a full time gig seem to keep finding ways to land rides - at least for now.

Paul Tracy, the 'greybeard' of the AOWR scene, landed a one race deal with KVRT at Indy, but then failed to qualify for the 500. He has since put togeather a two race deal with the squad which will see him participate in the upcomming road race in Toronto and on the airport tarmac in Edmonton. Now he has landed a deal to become the third different relief pilot (for Mike Conway, who was injured at Indy) of the #24 car from the D&RR squad: Paul will drive for them at Watkins Glen.

Graham Rahal, who's supposedly secure deal with Newman-Haas was yanked out from underneath him just prior to the start of the 2010 campaign, found work with Sarah Fisher Racing for the St. Pete, Barber and Long Beach races, then drove for his father's team at Indy. Last weekend saw him in the #24 car, and many fans expected him to retain that seat for the rest of the year. While D&RR have not specified why that will not be the case, team co-owner Robbie Buhl has indicated that they are working on a deal to get Graham into a third car for the Watkins Glen race, and hopefully beyond that. Fingers crossed...

Then there is the case of Ryan Hunter-Reay. With one victory to his credit (Long Beach) and currently sitting seventh in the championship chase, one would think that sponsors would be battering down the doors at Andretti Autosport to get their company's logo onto the side of his car: Alas, that has not happened - yet. When he signed with AA, there was no guarantee that he would have a ride after Indy, but funding was found for Texas and then Iowa. Now it appears that he will still have a seat with AA at Watkins Glen as well, although the details (sponsor) have not been been revealed yet.

And then there is the #24 D&RR car: Will we see Tracy, Hunter-Reay and others (even Rahal?) constantly swapping driving duties in it for the balance of the year, or will someone manage to 'secure' it for themselves?