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Monday, January 6 Updated: January 13, 3:03 PM ET  Comments on IRL drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted IRL drivers Sarah Fisher, Dario Franchitti and A.J. Foyt IV. Here are your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Sarah Fisher
The 2002 season should have removed any doubt about Sarah's ability as a competitive driver when hooked up with good equipment and crew chief engineer. Her performances at the Michigan 400 and Kentucky showed that she certainly can go jammin with the big dogs. She has earned a good ride and I hope she gets it. Tom Markle East Lansing, Mich.
She's the reason I watched every single IRL race last year (that she was participating in) and attended Indy 500 and Kentucky races. Would be great for her to seal a deal this month. She has my respect and admiration. Amy Bright Indianapolis
Absolutely unbelievable that she has to struggle for sponsorship to get a good ride. She is not a token, but a true contender as she has proven time and time again with little practice. I am wondering if the "old" school is afraid to see what she could do with a regular, competitive team like D&R every week of the season? Dan Ensch
Sarah Fisher is not a particularly good driver in my eyes. First of all, she is not in shape at all. She does nothing but complain on the radio, and can't drive a car unless it is handling perfectly. She seems to be a marketing scheme for the Indy Racing League that is working. She was voted the most popular driver in the IRL by the fans the embrace the prospect of a female winning the Indy 500 or the IRL title. I believe that the IRL would throw her to the curb if she wasn't a decent moneymaker. If the IRL could get ahold of Danica Patrick they could have the same moneymaking scheme and also have a worthy open-wheel driver. Ron Pitman II Evansville, Ind.
Dario Franchitti
I predict Dario will win at Michigan and Kentucky this year. He's proven he can win on oval tracks with his win at Rockingham last year. Team Green is a great race team and they will find a way to win in the IndyCar Series. Hunter Gunnell New Castle, Ky.
Dario was so great in CART last season, and like everyone else, I'll be sad to see him go to the IRL. I do have respect for him for choosing to stay with Andretti, but CART will miss him. I hope he is competitive for the IRL title in 2003 and now he won't have to worry about Paul Tracy crashing in to him! Natalie Krause Indianapolis
I think its sad to see Dario waste his talent in the IRL, the series where talent cannot find the variety of challenges one can see in road courses to develop itself. The same comment applies to Kanaan, Castroneves and Dixon. Julien Lépine Montreal, Quebec
Best thing about Dario joining the IRL? Ashley Judd at the race track! Nick Garrett Chicago
Anthony Foyt IV
It will be great to have the name of Foyt back into mainstream open wheel racing. If he is half the racer Super Tex was we are in for a treat. The are a few names that define racing and I hope to see them race for many years to come. Racing without an Andretti, Foyt, Earnhardt or Petty would not seem the same. Gary Gaddis Boston
A.J. Foyt tore up the IPS last year in impressive fashion, too. I think that while he will have some growing pains getting used to the faster IRL cars, he has enough talent to get through those pains. Plus, he has the ultimate well of wisdom in his grandfather. I believe he will be in the lower echelon of the top ten this year, but A.J. IV will be a IRL championship contender in due time! Chris Estrada Pascoag, R.I.
Are you kidding? With a teacher like that how could The Fourth not be a champ? He has probably spent more time with him off the track than any one else has. That's where all the little extra tips and tidbits will be learned. We can't blame the teacher here if the student fails, that is for sure. Al Zawadsky Spotswood, N.J.
Under the wing of the greatest legend in motorsports, he should shine! A.J. IV looks to have the ability, seeing the fact he dominated the Infiniti Pro Series. I expect him to improve as he gets more comfortable with the speed of the big series and its competition. With so much CART talent moving to the IRL, the season is shaping up to be the most exciting and I will be watching! Mikal McGary Petersburg, Ill.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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