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IMPD Detectives continue their investigation into what appears to be a …
Updated: Friday, 12 Dec 2008, 11:33 PM EST
Published : Friday, 12 Dec 2008, 11:32 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The bad economy is impacting some areas of auto racing. But many teams in the IndyCar series said they're doing okay, which may seem strange since their NASCAR counterparts recently laid off hundreds of workers and pulled cars off the track.
There may even be a new IndyCar on the track this season. HVM racing is adding a car and driver to the team. Owner Keith Wiggins says the IRL-Champ Car merger couldn't have come at a better time.
"In the current economic climate, thank God there's not two series," said Wiggins.
Wiggins believes most IndyCar teams have been able to hold steady in the unstable economic climate because it's a smaller series than NASCAR, making operating costs cheaper. But the teams aren't being naive.
One of the primary concerns across the board has been sponsorships. Sarah Fisher already has AAA as a sponsor, but they're still working on getting their main sponsor.
"We were all a little concerned on what our partners would be doing next year and everyone's been kind of sitting and waiting," said Klint Briney of Sarah Fisher Racing.
"We're all feeling the pinch. This time of year is always an important time because you're looking for sponsors and investment," said Wiggins.
Meantime, laid off NASCAR workers are left looking for jobs.
HVM hasn't officially announced who will be driving the second
car next year. But Wiggins did say it's someone who's raced with
the team before.
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