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Monday, December 30 Updated: January 6, 4:39 PM ET  Comments on IRL drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted IRL drivers Airton Dare, Gil de Ferran and Scott Dixon. Share your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season, and we'll post some of the comments.
I'm still getting over the fact that Gil didn't win his third straight title. Gil is my idol, and as much as I don't want him to stay in the IRL, I really DO want him to be successful wherever he is. I wish he could some way go back to CART, but I know that's pretty unlikely. It was hard to see the IRL season end without Gil, and I hope he can be there for every race next season. I'd love to see Helio win the 500 and Gil win the championship. Then it would seem like the IRL is turning into CART even more! Natalie Krause Indianapolis
I am not a fan of de Ferran, but he has my respect. He is great at helping his team set up a car, aided by his engineering background. He is also terrific at staying in the hunt and out of trouble. On short tracks he is uncanny in traffic, as evidenced by his driving at Pikes Peak and St. Louis. You don't win two CART championships and do as well as he did in the IRL without knowing how to finish races, and he's one of the best in open wheel. I would rate him a favorite over Castroneves and Hornish in the championship in 2003.
As for Dare, he was a victim of resources being spread too thin in Foyt's camp in 2002. Hard to believe he won't get the hand-me-downs with A.J. IV in the other car. If the team finds a way to be better prepared before races so they don't waste laps chasing the setups, Dare will be a real threat, especially on the 1.5 mile ovals.
De Ferran is my favorite driver from back in the CART days, a fierce and savvy competitor, even in his pre-Penske era with Walker Racing. The last driver to make Goodyear look competitive in CART. I wish he was back racing road courses. I believe he wishes that, too. Don Berry Lockport, Ill.
I was at the Chicago race when Gil was injured. Our entire group was in shock and disbelief. When I found out he wouldn't be racing the final race of the season I was disappointed but completely understood. All I can say is that Hornish better watch out because Team Penske is going to blow by him this season! Brian Ames Mahomet, Ill.
2003 is Gil's turn. His consistency and smooth driving style (and working with Team Penske doesn't hurt), will help him continue to be near or at the top of any race in '03. Prediction -- Penske gets yet another Indy 500 win, but it will be Gil's turn in Victory Lane. Question mark -- Toyota's new motor and reliability for an entire season.
Airton Dare has most if not all the tools to contend for the points title in 2003. As long as A.J. (the elder) keeps him in the primary car, Dare should have a fine year and maybe finish as high as top five in points against the toughest competition to date. That's on paper though, the asphalt may tell a different story. If Foyt goes with Toyota, the new engine MUST stand up for the entire season for this team to have a shot at the title.
Hard headed and hard charging Dare fits Foyt perfectly. I think A.J. would rather have a driver crash out when leading than to run 10th all day long. Look for Airton to get another win, a couple podiums and a top five in the points. Then he'll change his name to Airton Foyt. Jason Scott Green Bay, Wisc.
With Chip Ganassi's backing, Dixon should shine in the IRL. That is, if Chip doesn't spend all of his money replacing the cars Scheckter is going to wreck. Todd Jones Alfred, N.Y.
Scott Dixon showed so much talent a couple years back in CART -- it's a shame his season was interrupted when he had to find a new ride. Now moving to a new league, Dixon could again suffer through an adjustment period. The future is still bright, but the future isn't quite now. Gary Roberts Passaic, N.J.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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