This weekend, the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season will wrap up in dramatic fashion in Las Vegas. There are so many storylines entering this final race of the season, with all of the changes coming after Sunday’s race.
Tony Kanaan won his first Pole of the season today, the 15th of his career. Oriol Servia will start beside him on the front row. He is the seventh different Pole winner this year. Five different teams are represented in the top 5, and eight in the top 10.
For the 12th time in the past 16 years, the Championship winner will be determined during the final race of the season. Once again it will come down to Dario Franchitti for Chip Ganassi, and Will Power for Roger Penske. Franchitti holds an 18 point lead heading into Las Vegas.
Dario is looking to win his third Championship in a row this weekend. Power will be looking to finally win his first, and the first for Penske since Sam Hornish won it in 2006. Both of these drivers have won their fair share of Pole Awards this year, yet they will both be starting from row nine on Sunday.
Another battle that will play out on Sunday is the Rookie of the Year award between James Hinchcliffe and JR Hildebrand. He currently sits just six points ahead of Hinchcliffe, although James missed the first race of the season.
Dan Wheldon will of course be trying to win the $5 million challenge in Las Vegas. Although he won the Indianapolis 500 in dramatic fashion this year, this might be even tougher. He will be driving Alex Tagliani’s number 77 machine, and will have to start from the end of the field, back in 34th position.
This will be the final race for Danica Patrick in the IZOD IndyCar Series, where she really made a name for herself. It is well documented that she only has one win, which she won on fuel strategy. Even though she may come back to try her hand at Indianapolis, this could be the last time we ever see her in an open-wheel car.
Not only will this be the final race for Danica, but it will also be the final race for the current IndyCar machines. When they take the green flag on Sunday, it will be the last time they ever see the track. The new concept car will be thrust into the sport beginning next year.
Helio Castroneves will be trying to keep an eleven-year streak alive on Sunday. He has won at least one race every year since 2000. This is his final shot at getting a win to extend it into next season.
We have had one of the most memorable finishes in Indy 500 history, heated rivalries, many new faces in victory lane, and many other surprises along the way. This season has been very special, and it will all conclude this Sunday. One driver will leave with bitter disappointment, while the other hoists the Championship trophy.


