The Verizon IndyCar Series is in mourning this week, but the show must go on for the drivers and teams as they drive into Sonoma Raceway. The IndyCar championship battle will be decided this weekend, with six drivers contending, but only one being able to win it all.
Here are the four storylines to follow from Sonoma Raceway:
Remembering a Friend
While under normal circumstances one would expect the championship-deciding race to have an exciting lead-up, and end with a thrilling conclusion. However, the excitement and celebration at the Sonoma Raceway this weekend will be understandably tempered, in respect to Justin Wilson, who passed away after the Pocono race. This weekend will not be about the champion in the end, but about honoring Wilson.
The Race Within a Race
Six drivers enter the Go Pro Grand Prix at Sonoma with a mathematical chance to win the IndyCar title. Yet, the title chase is nothing close to wide open. With a 47-point advantage over second place, Juan Pablo Montoya is the understandable favorite. However, with double points being awarded, Graham Rahal may be the driver best positioned to make one final challenge.
Looking Ahead, Not Back
While the top six drivers in points will race for the title, others in the field could be racing for a job in 2016. Andretti Autosport could be auditioning new talent with Oriol Servia back in the field, and Mikhail Aleshin returns to the series for a one-off stint with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. A number of seats remain open for 2016, so it’s go time for drivers looking for a place to land.
The Calm Before the Storm?
And while the Verizon IndyCar Series season may be coming to an end, the storylines are still likely to be evolving into the offseason. Up until Pocono last weekend, the long six months off would be highlighted by negotiations with tracks to join the schedule, and the prospects of new teams to the top open wheel series in America. Now, the conversation shifts to whether or not the series should move to closed cockpits after the death of Justin Wilson. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a big offseason.
Be sure to catch the final race of the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series season, the Go Pro Grand Prix, the fight for the IndyCar championship at Sonoma Raceway, on Sunday afternoon on NBCSN.
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