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Rumors - 2001 IRL Team and Driver Changes

© Thomas M. Sampson

By Seth Ronald Eichhorn

With two more weekends before the final Indy Northern Light Racing Series event at Texas Motor Speedway, I thought it might be interesting to look ahead to the 2001 season and some of the rumors that are flying around the garage area regarding the teams and drivers that might be taking the green flag in IRL races next year. Please remember, none of these rumors are confirmed, but they are all possibilities and may actually happen. Whether they do or not, it's interesting to speculate.

The following drivers are rumored to be currently seeking rides for the 2001 season:

Doug Didero
Raul Boesel
Memo Gidley (Running for Della Penna in CART)
Alex Barron (Running for Coyne in CART)
Ronnie Johncox
Robbie Unser
Andy Michner
Bobby Regester
Andy Hillenburg (Presently back in stock cars)
Stan Wattles
Ryan Hampton
Richie Hearn
John Hollansworth
Jon Herb (Running ARCA)
Jim Guthrie
Niclas Jonsson
Steve Knapp
Johnny Unser
Jason Leffler (Running full Busch schedule for Gibbs Racing)
Cory Witherill

These teams are rumored to be changing drivers, disbanding their current structure or forming new teams for the 2001 season.

Immke Racing - Immke plans to start own team in 2001. Rumor has it that Immke has been talking to Tyce Carlson and Andy Michner for next season and will run a one car operation. It is also rumored that Driver Davey Hamilton is talking with Immke about next year, as is Robby McGhee.

Team CAN (Cure Autism Now)- Sponsored Buzz Calkins at Indy is rumored to start team in 2001 with ER actor Anthony Edwards and Stefan Johansson as rumored backers.

Hillenberg Racing/Sumar Racing - Andy Hillenberg is looking to start a team for full 2001 season.

Bentham Racing/HS Racing - Canadian Lee Bentham, has announced his intention to found an IRL Team in 2001 with HS Racing. He also announced a proposed sponsorship with a "Major Wine and Spirits Company". The rumor is that it could be Seagrams.

Ganassi Racing - Plans to run Indy only in 2001. Drivers aren't known at this time, but Michael Andretti is rumored to be the leading candidate.

Team Penske - Plans to run at least Indy, with drivers Helio Castroneves and Gil DeFerran.

Forsythe Racing - If he isn't given a third franchise by CART. Gerry Forsythe has said he will run an IRL team next year It's rumored to be an American driver and a large American company as the sponsor.

Indy Regency Racing - Indy Lights driver Cory Witherill is rumored to have the budget for next year in place and plans to run the 2001 schedule.

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