IRL teams testing for 2009 season

Less than three weeks after the checkered flag flew for the 2008 IndyCar Series championship, teams and manufacturers have begun testing components for the 2009 season.

Three teams participated in a private test at Richmond International Raceway Sept. 23, and six teams are scheduled to test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sept. 29-30. Additional testing is scheduled for Texas Motor Speedway, Sebring International and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Testing on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis oval includes Dan Wheldon, who will drive the Panther Racing car for the first time since 2002, reigning IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe, Rahal Letterman Racing's Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan, and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's Buddy Rice.

Note: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is open to spectators for free to watch testing from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. (ET) Sept. 29-30 from the South infield grandstand. IndyCar.com