Wickens rumored for 2nd SPM seat (Update)

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's AR1.com news.

Can Wickens bring enough money?

10/14/17

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPN) could become IndyCar's all-Canadian team if its rumored plans for 2018 come to fruition. It all comes down to money.

Three-year team veteran James Hinchcliffe is widely rumored to have signed a multi-year extension to remain in the No. 5 Arrow Electronics Honda.

Countryman Robert Wickens, who subbed for former SPM driver Mikhail Aleshin during Friday practice at Road America, in the sister No. 7 Honda could become Hinchcliffe's teammate if he can buy his ride – either bringing a sponsor or a personal check.

Other possible ride-buyers for the 2nd sea include Santi Urrutia, Jack Harvey, Tristan Gommendy and F1 reject Jonathan Palmer.

Whoever brings the most money gets the ride……the sad reality of a race series with low TV ratings that results in a paddock full of B2B deals and ride-buyer checks.

And to think 'the family' turned down Liberty media's offer to buy IndyCar. They were rejected so Liberty bought F1 instead. F1 is booming and IndyCar remains stuck in neutral and will until someone else owns the series who understand how to grow a business.

Our 2018 IndyCar Silly Season page has been updated. So many seats remain open because IndyCar teams cannot land sponsors due to low NBCSN TV ratings. Hence they are forced to wait for the highest bidder/ridebuyer.