IndyCar rumor updates

UPDATE Tony George confirmed layoffs at Vision Racing, which does not have a major sponsor, but said he still plans to field a car in 2010. IndyStar.com

10/07/09
Series title sponsor
IndyCar has been without one since Northern Light fizzled out at the end of its second of five scheduled seasons in 2001.

Izod, which has been a strong series partner the past two years, may fill that role, but an announcement has not yet been made.

The schedule
Officials have invested heavily in the new Brazilian race scheduled to open the season. A deal was apparently reached last week, but there has been no announcement as to which city will host the March 14 race.

The traditional race in Milwaukee is not on next year's 17-race schedule, which for the first time will have more street/road course races (nine) than ovals (eight).

The participants
Team Penske is expected to make Will Power a full-time driver and become a three-car team.

The reorganizing Andretti team might slip from four cars to three if the Formula Dream sponsorship (currently supporting Hideki Mutoh) moves to another team.

George has said Vision Racing needs to find sponsorship to continue with Ed Carpenter. De Ferran Motorsports has grown quiet regarding its plans to enter the series. IndyStar.com