NASCAR runs roughshod over IRL’s ‘Road to Indy’

The IRL's 'Road to Indy' slogan indeed is dead, but we knew that years ago when NASCAR decided to suck up all the best young open wheel USAC drivers while the IRL could just watch in angst.

The U.S. Auto Club has its Big Five in NASCAR: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne and J.J. Yeley. Meet some of the Next Five contenders. Bobby Santos III, Josh Wise, Bryan Clauson, Billy Wease and Stephanie Mockler are among the USAC drivers positioned to break into NASCAR. Of course, there are no guarantees. Clauson, who has signed with Ganassi Racing, suffered multiple neck injuries in a sprint car accident in September. He is expected to return to driving in the spring; his Busch Series debut is projected for the final third of the season.

A look at why these five drivers are positioned to advance: More at Indy Star…..