IndyCar worked for months to make the 2011 season finale a fitting climax and affirmation of a series on the way back. No one could know it would end up being its darkest hour.
Scott Dixon says he is looking to secure the points that will take him closer to the 2008 IndyCar Series title after taking pole position for the Meijer Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr clinched his third IRL Indycar title on a tie-breaker after conceding victory in the final round of the season at Chicagoland to outgoing king Dan Wheldon.
Brit Dan Wheldon is now a serious contender for Indy Racing League title honours after giving Honda its first victory in seven races at its home track in Motegi, northwest of Tokyo, Japan.