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Monday, December 16 Updated: December 23, 12:00 PM ET  Comments on IRL drivers ESPN.com This week, we spotlighted IRL drivers Michael Andretti, Alex Barron and Kenny Brack. Here's what some of our users had to say about those drivers:
Michael is definitely just preparing for Indy. He will run a few IRL events, but not challenge for the title. However, if Michael shows well in the few events he does run, who knows? He may decide he likes this all-oval stuff at this point in his career and may consider driving the full schedule in 2004. If that happens, lookout! To this day, there are not many people better than Michael on ovals. Mario Iacomini Livermore, Calif.
Michael Andretti, long one of my favorite racers, is washed up. That may be part of why he's going to the IRL, the only major open wheeled series where he stands a chance of winning. I just hope he hangs 'em up soon, because it's very sad to see a great racer race when he doesn't have much of a chance to win. Dennis Walker Silverdale, Wash.
Michael was the only man to ever force a track to change its first turn because he was too fast for the rest of the field. He was also the first to pass on the outside in Turn 1 at Indy. If he does not win Indy, he will replace Lloyd Ruby as the best driver to never win Indy, including Mansell and Stewart. Bob Merritt Hellertown, Pa.
Personally, I don't buy Andretti's "strickly business" move to the IRL. He knows very well that it would be cheaper to run CART in 2003 and beyond than the IRL. Also, if he stayed in CART, and Honda and Motorola stopped funding him there, he of all people should be confident enough to know that he'll get solid funding from somewhere else just because his last name is Andretti. He has no loyalty to the series that made him who he is today, and should be added to the ever growing list of ridiculously overpaid and still greedy athletes. Philip Degner Baltimore, Md.
Mikey should only run Indy and retire. Why take chances in the all oval series where only high risk pays off! Ken Dollar Chesterfield, Mo.
I was really upset when I found out that Michael Andretti was going to the IRL in 2003. I loved watching him in CART! I definitely think he will be competitive in some races, but I'm not expecting to see him compete for the title. He is a great driver and once I get used to seeing him in the IRL, it'll be fun to watch him next season. If he retires after the 500, It will break my heart! Natalie Krause Indianapolis
If Michael does well in the warm-up races, then I think he'll do the full season. But if he does not do well, then I believe Indy will be his last show. As for Kenny, I hope a change will do him some good -- he crashed and burned with the best team CART USED to have. I think he will do well, since he's back with Bobby Rahal. My Christmas wish is that Alex Barron hooks up with Eddie Cheever and Buddy Rice. All-American team, All-American Chevy power -- that would be great! He's an awesome driver and I hope he's back in the IRL (preferably with Cheever, of course.). Chris Estrada Pascoag, R.I.
A quick snapshot of 2002: Andretti: Inconsistent to missing in action. Probably too focused on how to sneak out quietly. Brack: Did he race in 2002? Embarrassing performance for a driver with a top tier team. Barron: All around good guy, showed stuff with a weak team. CART owners blew it in not keeping Alex. 2003: Andretti, wants Indy, won't get it! One of the insiders who left CART when they needed him most! Brack: Go figure. May be back at home in IRL, different crowd than when he left. Team Rahal another insider who shifted support to the IRL when CART needed them to stand up and just say no to Japanese money! Barron: Hope he gets a ride for 2003. Same antics that helped put CART in a bind at work in the IRL. I just pray for their safety and health racing in the IRL. Be safe, guys. William Kinsey Kingman, Ariz.
Michael Andretti sold out to the IRL. The only reason this will hurt CART is because it took a backmarker out of the field and sent it to the IRL will he will probably be semi-competitive. (See Al Unser Jr.). Michael, you were no longer a player in CART, have fun with the second tier. Rick Micklos Aliso Viejo, Calif.
Snooze and you loose -- CART should have found Alex Barron a ride long before now! Didn't he drive for Dan Gurney? That speaks for itself. Good luck at Indy, Alex! Pat Hamit Dodge City, Kan.
I can't even understand how such a championship contender could be without a ride. There are several also-rans in the IRL and Alex Barron is not one of them, somebody needs to snatch him up right away! Robert Christian Brownsburg, Ind.
Kenny Brack? Ho hum -- another CART escapee. After what Bobby R. has said about the IRL he should be ashamed of himself to return Tom Brown Van Wert, Ohio
Alex Barron, the driver that can't catch a break. Barron's 2002 season was incredible. There is no doubt that he has the talent to race and I feel he is the best American open wheeled driver. He more than proved his abilities in the 2002 season and if he is not picked up by a team for '03 in either series, there is no justice in this world Joe de los Santos St. George, Utah  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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