2006 IndyCar Series

American open-wheel racing season February 2025 IndyCar 2006 IRL IndyCar Series 14 March 26 September 10 USA Sam Hornish Jr. USA Marco Andretti USA Sam Hornish Jr. 2005 2007 right horizontal 300 Sam Hornish, Jr. 2008 Daytona.jpg Dan Wheldon 2.jpg Sam Hornish Jr. (left) won his third Drivers' Championship, while Dan Wheldon (right) finished second due to a tiebreaker in the final race of the season. The 2006 IRL IndyCar Series was an auto racing championship for American open-wheel cars that was sanctioned by the Indy Racing League (IRL). It was the 11th season of the IRL IndyCar Series and it encompassed the 95th national championship seasonChampions This refers to the national championship seasons in 1905, 1916, and every year since 1920. The seasons in 1909–1915 and 1917–1919 were retrospectively assigned champions by AAA Contest Board members Arthur Means and Val Haresnape in 1927 and sportswriter Russ Caitlin in 1951, though accredited statisticians do not consider the championships to be official.Higham 1995 318–320Capps H. Donald February–March 2010 John Glenn Printz and the Struggle for the Past: The A.A.A. Catastrophe - Arthur Means, Val Haresnape, Russ Catlin, and Bob Russo http://forix.autosport.com/8w/rvm/rvm-vol07-no06.pdf Rear View Mirror 7 6 21–38 with the rivaling Champ Car World Series' 2006 season. The season featured 14 races between March 26 and September 10. Sam Hornish Jr. of Team Penske won the series' premier event, the 90th Indianapolis 500, and the Drivers' Championship. Dan Wheldon entered the season as the defending Drivers' Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner. In the off-season, Wheldon left Andretti Green Racing (AGR), the team with which he won the title in 2005, to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). The season began under negative circumstances as three tracks (Phoenix International Raceway, California Speedway, and Pikes Peak International Raceway) were taken off the schedule and Honda was left as the series' sole engine provider. Additionally, rookie driver Paul Dana was killed in a crash during a warm-up session for the opening round at Homestead–Miami Speedway. Castroneves quickly emerged as a championship contender, winning two of the first three races, but several crashes later in the season allowed Hornish Jr. to take the championship lead after the Kansas Lottery Indy 300 in July. Although CGR drivers Wheldon and Scott Dixon only won two races each, their consistency helped them continue their fight for the title. The four drivers' battle persisted into the season finale, the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, which ended with Hornish Jr. and Wheldon tied for the championship. Wheldon led the most laps and won the race, but Hornish Jr. was awarded his third (and final) career championship on account of earning more wins in the season than Wheldon. Twelve of the 14 races in the season were won by either Team Penske or CGR.NTT IndyCar Series Results 2006 https://motorsportstats.com/series/ntt-indycar-series/results/2006 live https://web.archive.org/web/20231026185830/https://motorsportstats.com/series/ntt-indycar-series/results/2006 October 26, 2023 May 20, 2026 motorsportstats.com Marco Andretti, Wheldon's replacement at AGR, was declared the Rookie of the Year for 2006, as he finished runner-up in the Indianapolis 500 and won the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, which made him the youngest winner of a major American open-wheel race until 2008. Teams and drivers The following teams and drivers took part in the 2006 IndyCar Series. All entries competed with Honda engines and Firestone tires.IRL IndyCar Series – 2006: Entrylist https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/indycar/2006-entrylist.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20250906142219/https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level1/indycar/2006-entrylist.html September 6, 2025 October 13, 2025 Speedsport Magazine TeamChassisNo. Car numberDriversRounds Rounds enteredUSA A. J. Foyt RacingDallara14BRA Felipe Giaffone1–8USA Jeff Bucknum9–1441USA Larry Foyt orange R silver4USA Andretti Green RacingDallara1USA Michael Andretti47USA Bryan HertaAll11BRA Tony KanaanAll26USA Marco Andretti orange R silverAll27GBR Dario Franchitti1–13USA A. J. Foyt IV14USA Cheever RacingDallara51USA Eddie Cheever1–2, 4–8CZE Tomáš Enge352ITA Max Papis4USA Chip Ganassi RacingDallaraPanozGanassi Used in the road courses. 9NZL Scott Dixon All 10GBR Dan Wheldon AllUSA Dreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara5USA Buddy Lazier1–4, 6–8, 11AUS Ryan Briscoe5, 9–10, 13USA Sarah Fisher12, 1431USA Al Unser Jr.4MEX Fernández RacingPanoz8USA Scott Sharp2, 5, 13Dallara1, 3–4, 6–12, 1455JPN Kosuke MatsuuraAllUSA Hemelgarn RacingDallara91USA P. J. Chesson orange R silver1–492USA Jeff Bucknum4NLD Luyendyk RacingPanoz61NLD Arie Luyendyk Jr. 4USA Panther RacingDallara4BRA Vítor MeiraAllUSA PDM RacingPanoz18BRA Thiago Medeiros orange R silver4USA Playa del RacingPanoz12USA Roger Yasukawa421USA Jaques Lazier4USA Rahal Letterman RacingPanozRahalPanoz Used from Homestead to Watkins Glen, and at Sonoma.Dallara15USA Buddy RiceAll16USA Danica PatrickAll17USA Paul Dana orange R silver1USA Jeff Simmons orange R silver3–14CAN Roth RacingDallara25CAN Marty Roth orange R silver4, 11–12, 14USA Sam Schmidt MotorsportsPanoz88BRA Airton Daré4USA Team Leader-Curb-Agajanian-Beck MotorsportsPanoz 97FRA Stéphan Grégoire 4USA Curb-Agajanian-Beck Motorsports 98USA P. J. Jones 4USA Team PenskeDallara3BRA Hélio CastronevesAll6USA Sam Hornish Jr.AllUSA Vision RacingDallara2ZAF Tomas ScheckterAll20USA Ed Carpenter1, 3–14BRA Roberto Moreno290USA Townsend Bell4Source: Key Symbol Meaning orange R silver Eligible for Rookie of the Year Team changes Every time that competed full-time in the IndyCar Series in 2005 returned for the new season. Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Scott Sharp of Fernández Racing switched to the Dallara IR-05 chassis for the oval tracks and reverted to the Panoz GF09 chassis on road courses.Lewandowski Dave March 2, 2006 Data dictates the chassis http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6029 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060314072208/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6029 March 14, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCarIRL: Homestead: Scott Sharp preview https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-homestead-scott-sharp-preview-2008-03-27/2078907/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013131119/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-homestead-scott-sharp-preview-2008-03-27/2078907/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Beginning with the Bombardier Learjet 500, Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR) also began fielding Dallara chassis and only resorted to the Panoz chassis in the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.Lewandowski Dave June 8, 2006 Texas sizzle http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6826 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152029/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6826 October 17, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCarIRL: Sears Point: Rahal Letterman Racing preview https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-sears-point-rahal-letterman-racing-preview/2095378/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251010002255/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-sears-point-rahal-letterman-racing-preview/2095378/ October 10, 2025 October 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Hilliard, Ohio Sharp's teammate Kosuke Matsuura ran the Dallara chassis for the entire season.IRL: Homestead: Kosuke Matsuura preview https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-homestead-kosuke-matsuura-preview-1/2078911/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013131942/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-homestead-kosuke-matsuura-preview-1/2078911/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Driver changes thumb|267x267px|Dan Wheldon (pictured in 2008) joined Chip Ganassi Racing in 2006, despite his success with Andretti Green Racing the previous season. Several significant driver changes occurred prior to the season. After winning the 89th Indianapolis 500 and Drivers' Championship in 2005, Dan Wheldon chose not to renew his contract with Andretti Green Racing (AGR), causing rumors to spread about his possible shift to Formula One.November 7, 2005 Wheldon's future still up in the air https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/wheldons-future-still-up-in-the-air-4398744/4398744/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240723204127/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/wheldons-future-still-up-in-the-air-4398744/4398744/ July 23, 2024 October 13, 2025 Autosport.com These rumors proved to be unfounded as Wheldon joined CGR for 2006.November 28, 2005 Ganassi Confirms Wheldon, Honda, Dallara http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/indycar/20956/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051201035300/http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/indycar/20956/ December 1, 2005 October 13, 2025 Speed Channel Indianapolis, Indiana Wheldon was then replaced by Marco Andretti, a debutant in the IndyCar Series and the son of AGR co-owner Michael Andretti who had announced his one-off return from retirement in the 90th Indianapolis 500.December 20, 2005 Marco Andretti to Begin IndyCar Series Career with ArcaEx Team http://www.andrettigreenracing.com/Marco06.cfm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051225034552/http://www.andrettigreenracing.com/Marco06.cfm December 25, 2005 October 13, 2025 Andretti Green Racing Indianapolis, Indiana Other American open-wheel car racing veterans who competed in the 90th Indianapolis 500 include two-time race winner Al Unser Jr. (with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing) and 1998 race winner Eddie Cheever (with Cheever Racing), the latter of whom also planned to participate in the first three races of the season leading up to the Indianapolis 500.Sribhen Arni May 4, 2006 GEICO Teaming Up With Unser For Indianapolis 500 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6461 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174215/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6461 August 10, 2006 October 13, 2025 Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayLewandowski Dave February 21, 2006 Back in the saddle http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5993 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060314103853/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5993 March 14, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCar As famed actor Patrick Dempsey took on a co-owner role at Vision Racing,Lewandowski Dave February 9, 2006 Dempsey's newest role: Team co-owner http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5960 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060314072636/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5960 March 14, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCar the team expanded to two full-time entries which were driven by the returning Ed Carpenter and former Panther Racing driver Tomas Scheckter.February 9, 2006 IRL: Vision Racing expands team, names drivers https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-vision-racing-expands-team-names-drivers/2076995/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013211524/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-vision-racing-expands-team-names-drivers/2076995/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Indianapolis, Indiana Conversely, Panther Racing was forced to scale back to a single full-time entry due to their tightening budget, let go Tomáš Enge in the process, and hired Vítor Meira to replace Scheckter for the season.Redmayne Tim December 16, 2005 Panther seeking backer for 2006 https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/panther-seeking-backer-for-2006-4399228/4399228/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013222915/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/panther-seeking-backer-for-2006-4399228/4399228/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 AutosportLewandowski Dave February 10, 2006 Panther on the prowl http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5965 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060222031444/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5965 February 22, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCar Meira's seat at RLR was filled by Paul Dana,January 23, 2006 New team for Dana http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5891 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524150911/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5891 May 24, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCar who raced for Hemelgarn Racing prior to his season-ending crash during practice for the 2005 Indianapolis 500.IRL: Rahal Letterman Racing, Team Ethanol partnership announced https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-rahal-letterman-racing-team-ethanol-partnership-announced/2076438/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251014011741/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-rahal-letterman-racing-team-ethanol-partnership-announced/2076438/ October 14, 2025 October 14, 2025 Motorsport.com Hilliard, Ohio Hemelgarn Racing replaced Dana with P. J. Chesson, a popular driver in the World of Outlaws, and announced their partnership with NBA player Carmelo Anthony.March 15, 2006 Chesson in 'Car Melo' http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6108 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524152724/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6108 May 24, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar A. J. Foyt Racing replaced A. J. Foyt IV with Felipe Giaffone as Foyt IV set off to race in the NASCAR Busch Series.December 15, 2006 Giaffone returns with Foyt https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/giaffone-returns-with-foyt-4399248/4399248/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013231028/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/giaffone-returns-with-foyt-4399248/4399248/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 Autosport Giaffone had previously driven for A. J. Foyt in the 2005 Indianapolis 500.December 14, 2005 IRL: Foyt hires Giaffone to drive in 2006 https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-foyt-hires-giaffone-to-drive-in-2006/2075710/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251013231410/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-foyt-hires-giaffone-to-drive-in-2006/2075710/ October 13, 2025 October 13, 2025 Motorsport After an adverse season with Roger Yasukawa, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing replaced him with Buddy Lazier in their new No. Car Number 5 entry.Lewandowski Dave March 1, 2006 Buddy's back http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6024 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154247/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6024 October 17, 2006 October 13, 2025 IndyCar Mid-season changes Following Dana's death in a practice crash leading up to the Toyota Indy 300, Jeff Simmons filled his seat starting from the Indy Japan 300.Lewandowski Dave April 4, 2006 Simmons answers the call http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6284 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060408191913/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6284 April 8, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar Carpenter, who was also involved in the crash that killed Dana, was deemed medically unfit to run the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg;March 29, 2006 Carpenter denied St. Pete return https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/carpenter-denied-st-pete-return-4401451/4401451/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230531170946/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/carpenter-denied-st-pete-return-4401451/4401451/ May 31, 2023 October 14, 2025 Autosport he was substituted by veteran open-wheel racing driver Roberto Moreno.March 28, 2006 Moreno sits in for Carpenter at St. Pete http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6217 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151028/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6217 October 17, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar During the Indy Japan 300, Enge—now a full-time driver in the A1 Grand Prix championship—drove in place of Cheever, who opted to compete in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series race at Virginia International Raceway.April 13, 2006 Enge will substitute for Cheever at Motegi http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6336 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524153610/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6336 May 24, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar Hemelgarn Racing ceased operations for the remainder of the season after a second-lap crash in the 90th Indianapolis 500 destroyed both of their cars, driven by Chesson and Jeff Bucknum.Cavin Curt December 7, 2006 Balancing Act: The Indy Racing League saw plenty of highs and lows https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2073271/balancing-act-indy-racing-league-saw-plenty-highs-and-lows/ October 14, 2025 Autoweek While Chesson was unable to secure a ride afterward, Bucknum replaced Giaffone at A. J. Foyt Racing beginning with the Firestone Indy 200.Lewandowski Dave July 12, 2006 Bucknum to drive Foyt car for remainder of season http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7068 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060715112452/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7068 July 15, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar Before that same race, Cheever (whose team completed eight races, four more than initially expected) was forced to shut down his IndyCar Series operations due to a lack of funding.Beer Matt July 14, 2006 Cheever withdraws from series https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/cheever-withdraws-from-series-4402821/4402821/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250926202947/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/cheever-withdraws-from-series-4402821/4402821/ September 26, 2025 October 14, 2025 Autosport In the Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, Ryan Briscoe returned to the IndyCar Series with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the first time since his fiery crash at Chicagoland Speedway in 2005.Ryan Briscoe http://historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=7847 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240222044948/http://historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=7847 February 22, 2024 October 14, 2025 HistoricRacing.com An impressive third-place finish led to a continued partnership with the team in the Firestone Indy 200, the ABC Supply / A. J. Foyt Indy 225, and the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.July 10, 2006 Briscoe back with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7053 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151640/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7053 October 17, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar For the final two oval races of the season, the Meijer Indy 300 and the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300, Lazier's seat was filled by Sarah Fisher in what marked her first career starts since the 2004 Indianapolis 500.Lewandowski Dave August 3, 2006 Fisher returns http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7250 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161021/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7250 October 17, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCarRedmayne Tim August 4, 2006 Fisher to return to IRL at Kentucky https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/fisher-to-return-to-irl-at-kentucky-4404457/4404457/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251014212551/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/fisher-to-return-to-irl-at-kentucky-4404457/4404457/ October 14, 2025 October 14, 2025 Autosport Roth Racing shut down their Indy Pro Series program in May and intended to run the final ten races of the season with owner-driver Marty Roth, beginning at the Indianapolis 500.Redmayne Tim May 2, 2006 Roth to move to IRL after Indy https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/roth-to-move-to-irl-after-indy-4402690/4402690/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251004024534/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/roth-to-move-to-irl-after-indy-4402690/4402690/ October 4, 2025 October 14, 2025 Autosport The team's plans were sidelined, however, after Roth crashed in practice and failed to qualify for the race.Olson Jeff May 21, 2006 Medeiros the final Indy 500 qualifier https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/medeiros-the-final-indy-500-qualifier-4402126/4402126/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251014215942/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/medeiros-the-final-indy-500-qualifier-4402126/4402126/ October 14, 2025 October 14, 2025 Autosport Roth still managed to run in the last three oval races of the season, beginning with the Firestone Indy 400.Lewandowski Dave July 30, 2006 Long way from Indy http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7220 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152328/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7220 October 17, 2006 October 14, 2025 IndyCar For the Peak Antifreeze 300, Dario Franchitti was substituted by Foyt IV, whose venture into the Busch Series prematurely ended due to poor results,Pockrass Bob April 21, 2006 Evernham not ready to give up on Foyt IV http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/04/17/scene_daily51.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060502113438/http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/04/17/scene_daily51.html May 2, 2006 October 15, 2025 Scene Daily after Franchitti suffered a concussion following a crash in qualifying for the Goodwood Revival.September 5, 2006 Foyt to substitute for Franchitti http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7483 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151146/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7483 October 17, 2006 October 15, 2025 IndyCar Schedule RoundDateRaceTrackLocationTV1March 26Toyota Indy 300white O silver Homestead-Miami SpeedwayUSA Homestead, FloridaABC2April 2Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburgpeachpuff S silver Streets of St. PetersburgUSA St. Petersburg, FloridaESPN3April 22Indy Japan 300white O silver Twin Ring MotegiJAP Motegi, TochigiESPN4May 28Indianapolis 500white O silver Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayUSA Speedway, IndianaABC5June 4Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix lightblue R silver Watkins Glen InternationalUSA Watkins Glen, New YorkABC6June 10Bombardier Learjet 500white O silver Texas Motor SpeedwayUSA Fort Worth, TexasESPN7June 24SunTrust Indy Challengewhite O silver Richmond International RacewayUSA Richmond, VirginiaESPN8July 2Kansas Lottery Indy 300white O silver Kansas SpeedwayUSA Kansas City, KansasABC9July 15Firestone Indy 200white O silver Nashville SuperspeedwayUSA Lebanon, TennesseeESPN10July 23ABC Supply / A. J. Foyt Indy 225white O silver Milwaukee MileUSA West Allis, WisconsinESPN11July 30Firestone Indy 400white O silver Michigan International SpeedwayUSA Brooklyn, MichiganABC12August 13Meijer Indy 300white O silver Kentucky SpeedwayUSA Sparta, KentuckyABC13August 27Indy Grand Prix of Sonomalightblue R silver Infineon RacewayUSA Sonoma, CaliforniaESPN14September 10Peak Antifreeze Indy 300white O silver Chicagoland SpeedwayUSA Joliet, IllinoisABC Sources:Redmayne Tim September 14, 2005 2006 Season Cut to 14 Races https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/2006-season-cut-to-14-races-5328365/5328365/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20211209104625/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/2006-season-cut-to-14-races-5328365/5328365/ December 9, 2021 October 15, 2025 Autosport2006 IndyCar Series Season Stats, Race Results https://www.racing-reference.info/season-stats/2006/O/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251008180541/https://www.racing-reference.info/season-stats/2006/O/ October 8, 2025 May 17, 2026 racing-reference.info NASCAR Digital Media2006 Printable IndyCar Series Schedule http://www.indycar.com/schedule/schedule.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060515135950/http://www.indycar.com/schedule/schedule.php May 15, 2006 May 17, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League Key Symbol Track type white O silver Oval track lightblue R silver Road course peachpuff S silver Street circuit Calendar changes thumb|200x200px|Phoenix International Raceway (pictured in 2016) was one of three circuits to be removed from the IndyCar Series' schedule ahead of the 2006 season. The 2006 schedule was notably compressed with a span of 25 weeks between the first and last races, eight weeks fewer than the previous season's schedule.Wilkins Robert IRL to feature 14 races in 2006. https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/22451/1/irl-confirms-14-race-calendar-for-2006 live https://web.archive.org/web/20250819155411/https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/22451/1/irl-confirms-14-race-calendar-for-2006 August 19, 2025 October 15, 2025 Crash.net Indy Racing League (IRL) president Brian Barnhart explained that the schedule was shortened to avoid conflicts with the National Football League and Major League Baseball and attain high television ratings.Herman Steve September 13, 2005 IndyCar series tightens 2006 schedule https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/indycar-series-tightens-2006-schedule/531-acaf1943-2fc4-4c57-925c-6d3e3c1cba0f live https://web.archive.org/web/20251015110423/https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/indycar-series-tightens-2006-schedule/531-acaf1943-2fc4-4c57-925c-6d3e3c1cba0f October 15, 2025 October 15, 2025 WTHR In response to the criticism of the schedule, Barnhart ensured that the IRL was working on hosting more races in the 2007 schedule,March 4, 2006 Barnhart defends compact schedule https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/barnhart-defends-compact-schedule-4400092/4400092/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240723200934/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/barnhart-defends-compact-schedule-4400092/4400092/ July 23, 2024 October 15, 2025 Autosport specifically in Canada and Mexico.Redmayne Tim September 14, 2005 IRL Considering Canada, Mexico https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/irl-considering-canada-mexico-5328366/5328366/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20220706011507/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/irl-considering-canada-mexico-5328366/5328366/ July 6, 2022 October 15, 2025 Autosport Three tracks—California Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, and Pikes Peak International Raceway—were omitted from the 2006 schedule. Promoters of the former two tracks were unable to find an available weekend that suited their schedule and the condensed IndyCar Series schedule,September 14, 2005 California Speedway Not On 2006 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series Schedule http://www.californiaspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=451 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060316153808/http://www.californiaspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=451 March 16, 2006 October 16, 2025 California SpeedwayAugust 17, 2005 IRL will skip Phoenix track in 2006 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star-irl-will-skip-phoenix/161210285/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250226033642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star-irl-will-skip-phoenix/161210285/ February 26, 2025 October 16, 2025 Arizona Daily Star 21 while the latter track was sold to International Speedway Corporation and shut down in October 2005.October 2, 2005 Racing Away: Pikes Peak Int'l Raceway Sold To ISC https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2005/10/03/Facilities-Venues/Racing-Away-Pikes-Peak-Intl-Raceway-Sold-To-ISC/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251016004924/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2005/10/03/Facilities-Venues/Racing-Away-Pikes-Peak-Intl-Raceway-Sold-To-ISC/ October 16, 2025 October 16, 2025 Sports Business Journal With California left off the schedule, Chicagoland Speedway's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 now played host to the IndyCar Series season finale.Herman Steve September 14, 2005 Next year's IRL season finale to run at Chicagoland https://www.newspapers.com/article/northwest-herald-next-years-irl-season/161633047/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251016011459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/northwest-herald-next-years-irl-season/161633047/ October 16, 2025 October 16, 2025 Northwest Herald 20 The Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix was also shifted up from its original September date to June, the weekend following the Indianapolis 500.September 13, 2005 IRL: 2006 schedule announced https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-2006-schedule-announced/2071086/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250730025753/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-2006-schedule-announced/2071086/ July 30, 2025 October 16, 2025 Motorsport.com The IRL attempted to bring the Champ Car World Series (CCWS)-sanctioned Grand Prix of Long Beach to the IndyCar Series for 2006, but CCWS co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven bought out the event in June 2005 in order for the event to remain on his series' schedule.Straver Patrick April 6, 2005 Important race for Long Beach https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/140/Belangrijke_race_voor_Long_Beach live https://web.archive.org/web/20231204233827/https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/140/Belangrijke_race_voor_Long_Beach December 4, 2023 May 7, 2026 openwheelworld.net nlStraver Patrick May 24, 2005 Kalkhoven buys Long Beach, race remains Champ Car Race https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/256/Kalkhoven_koopt_Long_Beach%2C_race_blijft_Champcarrace live https://web.archive.org/web/20240413115426/https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/256/Kalkhoven_koopt_Long_Beach%2C_race_blijft_Champcarrace April 13, 2024 May 7, 2026 openwheelworld.net nl This reportedly angered sponsors of the IndyCar Series' teams because Tony George, founder of the IRL, had previously assured teams that the series would be racing in Long Beach and Canada in 2006.Straver Patrick October 26, 2005 Chip Ganassi proposes Champ Car-IRL mini-championship https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/794/Chip_Ganassi_stelt_Champ_Car_%3F_IRL_minikampioenschap_voor live https://web.archive.org/web/20251210090821/https://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/nieuws/794/Chip_Ganassi_stelt_Champ_Car_%3F_IRL_minikampioenschap_voor December 10, 2025 May 7, 2026 openwheelworld.net nl Changes Mechanical regulations One company, Honda, supplied engines in 2006, down from three companies the previous season. In November 2004, General Motors announced the withdrawal of Chevrolet from the IndyCar Series after 2005, citing escalating costs and their lack of competitiveness.November 4, 2004 Chevy to quit after 2005 https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/chevy-to-quit-after-2005-5001227/5001227/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250220044246/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/chevy-to-quit-after-2005-5001227/5001227/ February 20, 2025 October 16, 2025 Autosport With mounting rumors of Toyota's impending withdrawal, Honda committed to supplying engines and vowed to remain impartial towards every team in the series.Redmayne Tim December 14, 2005 Honda confirm full grid supply https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/honda-confirm-full-grid-supply-4399267/4399267/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251016215454/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/honda-confirm-full-grid-supply-4399267/4399267/ October 16, 2025 October 16, 2025 AutosportRedmayne Tim Honda vows to be impartial https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/honda-vows-to-be-impartial-4399218/4399218/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251016215812/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/honda-vows-to-be-impartial-4399218/4399218/ October 16, 2025 October 16, 2025 Autosport Toyota eventually confirmed their departure from the series the day after Honda's announcement.Redmayne Tim December 15, 2005 Toyota confirm IRL withdrawal https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/toyota-confirm-irl-withdrawal-4399232/4399232/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251016221253/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/toyota-confirm-irl-withdrawal-4399232/4399232/ October 16, 2025 October 16, 2025 Autosport For 2006, the IndyCar Series began their shift towards ethanol fuel after using methanol fuel since the series' inception in 1996.Tech: ethanol http://www.indycar.com/tech/ethanol.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060426085444/http://www.indycar.com/tech/ethanol.php April 26, 2006 October 16, 2025 IndyCar The shift was gradual, with each car utilizing a blend of 90% methanol and 10% ethanol before switching to a 100% ethanol blend in 2007.March 2, 2005 IndyCar Series switching to ethanol in '06 http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=2003457 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050817181134/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=2003457 August 17, 2005 October 16, 2025 ESPN To further promote ethanol usage, RLR obtained sponsorship from Team Ethanol, a coalition of several ethanol design–build farms. Television broadcasting ABC and ESPN returned to broadcast the entire season in the United States. Newly retired NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Rusty Wallace joined Scott Goodyear as a color commentator, while Marty Reid became the play-by-play commentator.January 26, 2006 Wallace, Reid joining ESPN IRL coverage team http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=irl&id=2307465 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101015023717/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=irl&id=2307465 October 15, 2010 October 16, 2025 ESPN Reid replaced Todd Harris, who was heavily criticized for his commentary during the 2005 Indianapolis 500.June 3, 2005 'Yeah!' he said it and no, there's no rift http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20050603-9999-1s3media.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050604234845/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20050603-9999-1s3media.html June 4, 2005 October 16, 2025 SignOnSanDiego.com Jack Arute, Jamie Little, and Jerry Punch retained their roles as pit road reporters. Brent Musburger hosted three IndyCar Series broadcasts, including the Indianapolis 500.January 26, 2006 Wallace, Reid join TV broadcast team http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5909 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524151042/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5909 May 24, 2006 October 16, 2025 IndyCar Season report Pre-season testing On January 24–25, fifteen teams gathered at Phoenix International Raceway for a private two-day test to familiarize themselves with their Honda engines.January 4, 2006 Teams will test at Phoenix http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5834 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524150440/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5834 May 24, 2006 October 17, 2025 IndyCar With no complaints from any team, Brian Barnhart considered the test an overall success.January 26, 2006 First test goes 'like clockwork' http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5912 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060524151056/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5912 May 24, 2006 October 17, 2006 IndyCar Eighteen teams participated in an Open Test on March 2, 3, and 5 at Homestead–Miami Speedway; the first two days of the test were spent on the circuit's road course configuration to prepare for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, while the last day was run on the oval configuration.Lewandowski Dave February 28, 2006 Spring in their step http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060314102529/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6015 March 14, 2006 October 17, 2025 IndyCar The testing at Homestead built anticipation for the season-opening Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead as the top-ten quickest drivers on the final day were separated by less than four tenths of a second.Lewandowski Dave March 5, 2006 Prelude to drama http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6053 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060314102433/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6053 March 14, 2006 October 17, 2025 IndyCar Opening rounds thumb|269x269px|Hélio Castroneves (pictured in 2011) won two of the first three races. Tragedy struck several hours before the Toyota Indy 300. During a morning warm-up session for the race, Carpenter crashed into the turn-two SAFER barrier and slid down the track.Lewandowski Dave March 26, 2006 Tragedy strikes http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6194 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060408193531/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6194 April 8, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar Despite several indications that the caution flag had been issued, Dana failed to slow his pace and slammed into the rear of Carpenter's car at nearly full-speed.Horrall Zach June 29, 2019 How Tonya Bergeson-Dana coped with the loss of husband Paul Dana after Indy car wreck https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-500/2019/06/29/how-tonya-bergeson-dana-coped-loss-husband-paul-dana/1158184001/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z113432u113432e002500v113432&gca-ft=194&gca-ds=sophi live https://web.archive.org/web/20251018030215/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-500/2019/06/29/how-tonya-bergeson-dana-coped-loss-husband-paul-dana/1158184001/ October 18, 2025 October 18, 2025 IndyStar.com While Carpenter suffered a concussion and bruised lungs, Dana succumbed to his injuries shortly before noon local time.March 26, 2006 IRL: Official statement on death of Paul Dana https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-official-statement-on-death-of-paul-dana/2079287/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251018033748/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-official-statement-on-death-of-paul-dana/2079287/ October 18, 2025 October 18, 2025 Motorsport.com Dana's teammates, Buddy Rice and Danica Patrick, did not participate in the race out of respect for him.Olson Jeff March 26, 2006 Drivers speak about Dana tragedy https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/drivers-speak-about-dana-tragedy-4401495/4401495/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240715214536/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/drivers-speak-about-dana-tragedy-4401495/4401495/ July 15, 2024 October 18, 2025 Autosport Although several drivers suggested to cancel the race, it began as scheduled with 16 cars on the starting grid.Caldwell Dave March 26, 2006 Indy Racing Rookie Dies in Crash During Practice https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/sports/othersports/indy-racing-rookie-dies-in-crash-during-practice.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20251012114345/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/sports/othersports/indy-racing-rookie-dies-in-crash-during-practice.html October 12, 2025 October 18, 2025 New York Times Sam Hornish Jr., who won the pole position the day prior, led a race-high 145 laps, but was relegated to fifth place after a poorly timed caution was flown as he made a pit stop on lap 160.March 26, 2006 Sam Hornish, Jr. Finishes 3rd in IndyCar Series Opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway http://www.samhornish.com/HTML/News/Detail.php?ID=208 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060518011719/http://www.samhornish.com/HTML/News/Detail.php?ID=208 May 18, 2006 October 18, 2025 Sam Hornish Jr. Homestead, Florida Hornish Jr.'s teammate Hélio Castroneves moved into the lead, but on lap 180, Wheldon began challenging him for the first position.Lewandowski Dave March 26, 2006 Wheldon edges Castroneves for victory http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6202 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151343/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6202 October 17, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar The two drivers remained side-by-side in the final twenty laps, and Wheldon eventually nosed ahead of Castroneves for the win by 0.0147 seconds, the ninth-closest finish in IndyCar Series history thus far.Lewandowski Dave March 27, 2006 Wheldon drives home point in opener http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6208 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152947/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6208 October 17, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar After completing another test on Homestead's road course layout, the IndyCar Series teams traveled to St. Petersburg for the second round of the season.March 28, 2006 Castroneves tops road-course test http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6222 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151621/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6222 October 17, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar RLR chose to only field two cars and did not replace Dana for the time being.March 28, 2006 Rice, Patrick mourn teammate Dana http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6218 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060408193534/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6218 April 8, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar Franchitti showcased immense speed throughout the weekend, setting the fastest laps of two practice sessions and earning the pole position.Lewandowski Dave April 1, 2006 Street cred http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6254 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060408193551/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6254 April 8, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar However, during the warm-up session, he crashed into the turn-eight tire barriers and damaged his suspension.April 3, 2006 To veterans, crowd recalls glory days in streets https://books.google.com/books?id=2OpRAAAAIBAJ&dq=helio+castroneves+st+petersburg&pg=PA41#v=onepage&q=helio%20castroneves%20st%20petersburg&f=false October 18, 2025 St. Petersburg Times 41 Franchitti's team attempted to alleviate the damage, but it began affecting him again five laps into the race. After leading the first 14 laps, he drove into pit road and retired.April 2, 2006 Franchitti Suffers Suspension Failure at Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg http://www.andrettigreenracing.com/02_DF_Race.cfm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060504235714/http://www.andrettigreenracing.com/02_DF_Race.cfm May 4, 2006 October 18, 2025 Andretti Green Racing St. Petersburg, Florida Franchitti's misfortune allowed Scott Dixon to take the first position. Although Dixon struggled with a broken front wing, he maintained the lead until Castroneves overtook him on lap 45.April 2, 2006 Dixon overcomes broken wing for runner-up finish http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6267 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060426102044/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6267 April 26, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar St. Petersburg, Florida While Castroneves made a pit stop for fuel on lap 87, Dixon—utilizing a conservative fuel strategy—remained on the circuit until lap 95 in order to battle with Castroneves for the win.Lewandowski Dave April 3, 2006 Welcome sights http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6274 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060426102124/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6274 April 26, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar Dixon's strategy was ultimately ruined when a full-course caution was flown two laps later, giving the win to Castroneves.Lewandowski Dave April 2, 2006 'I drove like I stole it' http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6266 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060408193557/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6266 April 8, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar In the three weeks leading up to the Indy Japan 300 at Motegi, RLR named Jeff Simmons as Paul Dana's replacement for the rest of the season. Simmons and sixteen other drivers partook in an open testing session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which ran without incident.Lewandowski Dave April 5, 2006 Pole battle preview http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6302 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152010/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6302 October 17, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar Two practice sessions and qualifying were cancelled due to persistent rainfall at Motegi and the starting grid was determined by entrant points, thus giving Castroneves the pole position.April 21, 2006 Motegi qualifying rained out https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/motegi-qualifying-rained-out-4400955/4400955/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251018184232/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/motegi-qualifying-rained-out-4400955/4400955/ October 18, 2025 October 18, 2025 Autosport Castroneves held the lead until he was passed by Wheldon on lap 24, though he reclaimed the first position after making a quick pit stop under caution.IRL: From Motegi practice to race, Castroneves on top https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-from-motegi-practice-to-race-castroneves-on-top/2081511/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251018213812/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-from-motegi-practice-to-race-castroneves-on-top/2081511/ October 18, 2025 October 18, 2025 Motorsport.com From there, Castroneves was largely unchallenged and scored his second consecutive victory.Lewandowski Dave April 22, 2006 Climbing higher http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6387 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160725/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6387 October 17, 2006 October 18, 2025 IndyCar Dixon looked to challenge Castroneves for the win before he stalled during his final pit stop on lap 149, dropping him to ninth at the checkered flag.Olson Jeff April 22, 2006 Castroneves dominates at Motegi https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/castroneves-dominates-at-motegi-4400919/4400919/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251018201411/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/castroneves-dominates-at-motegi-4400919/4400919/ October 18, 2025 October 18, 2025 Autosport The race's most notable incident occurred on a restart at lap 41 when Simmons collided into Sharp and flipped on the front stretch; no one was injured. Indianapolis 500 Rainy conditions shortened eight days of on-track activity throughout the month of May, including the first two days of qualifying.Lewandowski Dave May 18, 2006 Hornish Fast; Teams Get Valuable Track Time On Short Day At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6604 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155227/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6604 August 10, 2006 October 19, 2025 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hornish Jr. gradually became the favorite to win the race as he led all but one practice session and earned the pole position with a four-lap average speed of 228.985 mph km/h on.IRL: Hornish Jr earns his first Indy 500 pole https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-hornish-jr-earns-his-first-indy-500-pole/2084167/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251019023201/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-hornish-jr-earns-his-first-indy-500-pole/2084167/ October 19, 2025 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com He started alongside teammate Castroneves and defending race winner Wheldon on the front row.Starting Grid for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 http://www.indy500.com/stats/grids.php?raceyear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070821143536/http://www.indy500.com/stats/grids.php?raceyear=2006 August 21, 2007 October 19, 2025 Indianapolis Motor Speedway The 33rd and final starting position was taken by Thiago Medeiros on Bump Day, the final day of qualifications, after his main threat for the position, Marty Roth, crashed while making a practice run.Olson Jeff May 21, 2006 Medeiros the final Indy 500 qualifier https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/medeiros-the-final-indy-500-qualifier-4402126/4402126/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251014215942/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/medeiros-the-final-indy-500-qualifier-4402126/4402126/ October 14, 2025 October 19, 2025 Autosport Ryan Briscoe planned to bump Medeiros from the starting grid in an A. J. Foyt Racing car, but the caution period after Roth's crash denied him a chance to drive on the track.Lewandowski Dave May 21, 2006 Medeiros, PDM Rebound To Round Out Indy 500 Field On Bump Day http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6640 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174832/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6640 August 10, 2006 October 19, 2025 Indianapolis Motor Speedway thumb|200x200px|Sam Hornish Jr. earned his first Indianapolis 500 win by swerving his car (pictured) to the left of Marco Andretti and passing him on the final lap.|left The rainfall that plagued much of the month's festivities eased off and made way for 89 F C on weather on race day.Plotkin Ken May 28, 2006 Race Day Notes: Indianapolis 500 http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219518&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060919164707/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219518&FS=IRL September 19, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Hornish Jr. fell to third at the start of the race, behind Castroneves and Wheldon. The latter moved ahead of Castroneves into the lead on lap 10 and dominated the first half of the race, only relinquishing the lead during green-flag pit stops,May 28, 2006 Lap leaders and notes http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6728 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152702/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6728 October 17, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar until Dixon's battle with Wheldon on a lap-123 restart allowed Hornish Jr. to take the lead.May 28, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 28 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810160002/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 August 10, 2006 October 19, 2025 Indianapolis Motor Speedway However, a disastrous pit stop miscue under a caution period relegated Hornish Jr. to seventh.Olson Jeff May 28, 2006 Analysis: behind the lead battle https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/analysis-behind-the-lead-battle-4401900/4401900/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250815204431/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/analysis-behind-the-lead-battle-4401900/4401900/ August 15, 2025 October 19, 2025 Autosport He and Michael Andretti made their final pit stops on lap 160 as part of their strategy to put themselves in a position to win.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Michael Andretti race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219548 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024736/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219548 June 16, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Through a tire failure that Wheldon suffered on lap 184 and a caution issued seven laps later, Michael Andretti took the lead with his son Marco in second place.Olson Jeff May 28, 2006 Hornish snatches win from Andretti https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-snatches-win-from-andretti-4401893/4401893/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250222191630/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-snatches-win-from-andretti-4401893/4401893/ February 22, 2025 October 19, 2025 Autosport Marco overtook Michael for the lead shortly after a restart on the 198th lap and tried to defend his position from the hard-charging Hornish Jr.Perez A. J. May 28, 2006 Double dose of Andretti heartbreak at Indy http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-andrettis_x.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110506003358/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-andrettis_x.htm May 6, 2011 October 19, 2025 USA Today On the final lap, Hornish Jr. dove to Marco's left side and executed a slingshot pass to take the win by 0.0635 seconds, the second-closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history.Indy500fin As of 2026, it is the fourth-closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history.Margin Of Victory - Indianapolis 500 Race Stats https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/summaries/margin-of-victory Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 8, 2026 live https://web.archive.org/web/20260124145716/https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/summaries/margin-of-victory January 24, 2026 Lewandowski Dave May 28, 2006 An American classic http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6727 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154857/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6727 October 17, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar Castroneves entered the month of May with a 42-point lead in the championship,April 22, 2006 Standings after Motegi http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=215428&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060516111334/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=215428&FS=IRL May 16, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com but left with a 12-point lead after crashing out of the race on lap 111.IRL: Standings after Indy 500 https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-standings-after-indy-500-2/2086999/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251019043803/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-standings-after-indy-500-2/2086999/ October 19, 2025 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Mid-season rounds Because of the damp track surface, the drivers were required to start the Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix with rain tires for the first time in IndyCar Series history.Lewandowski Dave June 4, 2006 Rainy days and Sundays http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6793 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161720/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6793 October 17, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar Kanaan, who started in second after qualifying was rained out,Lewandowski Dave June 3, 2006 Expect spirited battle http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6780 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161529/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6780 October 17, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar passed pole-sitter Castroneves on the first lap.2006 Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Watkins_Glen_Indy_Grand_Prix/O live https://web.archive.org/web/20250513232821/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Watkins_Glen_Indy_Grand_Prix/O May 13, 2025 October 19, 2025 Racing-Reference.info NASCAR Digital Media As the track gradually became dryer, the drivers opted to switch to slick tires, beginning with Scheckter on lap 4.IRL: Watkins Glen: Firestone race report https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-watkins-glen-firestone-race-report-2008-03-27/2087691/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251019180820/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-watkins-glen-firestone-race-report-2008-03-27/2087691/ October 19, 2025 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Scheckter's early pit stop allowed him to inherit the lead on lap 10 while the leaders made their stops; he led until he made another stop for fuel on lap 22.IRL: Watkins Glen: Vision Racing race report http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=220379&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060913162256/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=220379&FS=IRL September 13, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Watkins Glen, New York Wheldon then held the lead for 13 laps before a broken drive shaft during his final pit stop forced him to retire.Lewandowski Dave June 4, 2006 Disappointment for second race in a row http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6792 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161707/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6792 October 17, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar With rain beginning to fall on the track again, IRL officials announced the curtailment of the race once it reached a duration of two hours. Dixon gambled to stay on track with his slick tires, unlike the other leaders who switched back to rain tires, and nursed around the slickened track to earn the win, followed by Meira and Briscoe. In the next round of the season, the Bombardier Learjet 500 at Texas, Wheldon passed pole-sitter Hornish Jr. on the second lap and led a race-high 171 laps, only conceding the lead during green-flag pit stops.2006 Bombardier LearJet 500 https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Bombardier_LearJet_500/O live https://web.archive.org/web/20250521215723/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Bombardier_LearJet_500/O May 21, 2025 October 19, 2025 Racing-Reference.info NASCAR Digital Media Wheldon's last stop on lap 185 was elongated, however, after one of his crewmen dropped a lug nut, sending him back to third in the running order.Reininger David June 10, 2006 Castroneves wins third of season at Texas http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=221003&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060908075456/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=221003&FS=IRL September 8, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Hornish Jr. had a chance to win the race before he, too, experienced a miscue in his final stop. Castroneves benefitted from Wheldon and Hornish Jr.'s troubles and led the final eight laps to earn the victory.Lewandowski Dave June 10, 2006 Momentum sustained http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6844 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060926092828/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6844 September 26, 2006 October 19, 2025 IndyCar The win widened Castroneves' lead in the championship to 22 points over Dixon.June 13, 2006 Indy Racing League news and notes 2006-06-12 http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=221230&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060913162400/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=221230&FS=IRL September 13, 2006 October 19, 2025 Motorsport.com Hornish Jr. set the fastest time of a testing session conducted at Richmond International Raceway two days prior to the SunTrust Indy Challenge, but crashed and resorted to a back-up car for the race weekend.Olson Jeff June 23, 2006 Hornish tops practice despite crash https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-tops-practice-despite-crash-4403335/4403335/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250919230424/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-tops-practice-despite-crash-4403335/4403335/ September 19, 2025 October 20, 2025 Autosport This did not hinder Hornish Jr.'s speed, as he started third—two spots behind teammate Castroneves—on account of his fastest lap of Friday's practice sessions after rainfall cancelled qualifying.Lewandowski Dave June 23, 2006 He'll take it http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6923 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151321/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6923 October 17, 2006 October 20, 2025 IndyCar Hornish Jr. went on to pass Castroneves on lap 39 and win the race without serious competition, with Meira in second and Franchitti third.Lewandowski Dave June 24, 2006 Hornish storms Richmond http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6931 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060702204634/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6931 July 2, 2006 October 20, 2025 IndyCar Castroneves, meanwhile, punctured his right-rear tire on lap 246 and fell to tenth at the finish; his gap over Hornish Jr. in the championship resultantly dwindled to five points.Olson Jeff June 25, 2006 Hornish wins at Richmond https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-wins-at-richmond-4403260/4403260/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250923005723/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-wins-at-richmond-4403260/4403260/ September 23, 2025 October 20, 2025 Autosport For the first time since 2004, Wheldon qualified on the pole position for an IndyCar Series race, that being Kansas Speedway's Kansas Lottery Indy 300.Lewandowski Dave July 1, 2006 Bristling attitude http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6999 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060708192707/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6999 July 8, 2006 October 21, 2025 IndyCar Hornish Jr., whose 27th birthday coincided with the race,Lewandowski Dave July 2, 2006 27th birthday presents http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7021 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154013/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7021 October 17, 2006 October 21, 2025 IndyCar first took the lead on lap 7 and led a majority of the laps.2006 Kansas Lottery Indy 300 https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Kansas_Lottery_Indy_300/O live https://web.archive.org/web/20250521200506/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Kansas_Lottery_Indy_300/O May 21, 2025 October 21, 2025 Racing-Reference.info NASCAR Digital Media However, Wheldon constantly ran in close proximity of Hornish Jr. and even pulled ahead of him on a handful of occasions. Following the final restart on lap 183, Hornish Jr. and Wheldon raced alongside each other until the former finally pulled away with two laps remaining to take the win.Olson Jeff July 2, 2006 Birthday win for Hornish in Kansas https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/birthday-win-for-hornish-in-kansas-4403016/4403016/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250925210518/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/birthday-win-for-hornish-in-kansas-4403016/4403016/ September 25, 2025 October 21, 2025 Autosport Castroneves only mustered a sixth-place finish after spinning into the wall on lap 37 and lost the championship lead to Hornish Jr.IRL: Hornish hangs on to win in Kansas https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-hornish-hangs-on-to-win-in-kansas/2090480/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250925201307/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-hornish-hangs-on-to-win-in-kansas/2090480/ September 25, 2025 October 21, 2025 Motorsport.com Wheldon and Hornish Jr. continued their season rivalry at Nashville Superspeedway, where they took the first two positions in qualifying once again for the Firestone Indy 200.Lewandowski Dave July 14, 2006 Two in a row http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7090 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151731/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7090 October 17, 2006 October 22, 2025 IndyCar Wheldon held onto the lead for much of the first half of the race, only briefly losing it to Hornish Jr. on a restart.2006 Firestone Indy 200 https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Firestone_Indy_200/O live https://web.archive.org/web/20250521213117/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Firestone_Indy_200/O May 21, 2025 October 22, 2025 Racing-Reference.info NASCAR Digital Media After Hornish Jr. crashed in turn two on lap 130, an ensuing cycle of pit stops shuffled Dixon to the first position. He held off Wheldon and Meira in the remaining laps to win the race and improve to second place in the championship.July 15, 2006 On target http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7102 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161444/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7102 October 17, 2006 October 22, 2025 IndyCarIRL: Dixon and Wheldon finish 1-2 at Nashville https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-dixon-and-wheldon-finish-1-2-at-nashville/2091532/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250928150118/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-dixon-and-wheldon-finish-1-2-at-nashville/2091532/ September 28, 2025 October 22, 2025 Motorsport.com Closing rounds The Team Penske drivers locked out the front row for the next race, the ABC Supply / A. J. Foyt Indy 225 at the Milwaukee Mile, with Castroneves qualifying ahead of Hornish Jr.Lewandowski Dave July 22, 2006 Tightly packed http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7157 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155515/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7157 October 17, 2006 October 22, 2025 IndyCar Kanaan overtook Castroneves for the first position on lap 32 and maintained his lead throughout much of the race, only dropping back in the running order during pit stop cycles and restarts. He took the lead for good by passing teammate Andretti on lap 180 and earned the win, which placed him fifth in the championship. It was the first win of the season for a team other than Team Penske or After running a lap down in the first half of the race, Hornish Jr. utilized the AGR drivers' pit strategy and clawed up to second place.July 23, 2006 IRL: Milwaukee: Tony Kanaan race report https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-milwaukee-tony-kanaan-race-report-2008-03-27/2092424/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251001100324/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-milwaukee-tony-kanaan-race-report-2008-03-27/2092424/ October 1, 2025 October 23, 2025 Motorsport.com IRL: Kanaan ends Andretti Green dry spell at Milwaukee https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-kanaan-ends-andretti-green-dry-spell-at-milwaukee/2092340/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251002011349/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-kanaan-ends-andretti-green-dry-spell-at-milwaukee/2092340/ October 2, 2025 October 23, 2025 Motorsport.com thumb|234x234px|Marco Andretti (pictured in 2018) earned his first IndyCar Series win in the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Ahead of Michigan International Speedway's Firestone Indy 400, Castroneves and Hornish Jr. qualified on the front row once again and devised a plan to run nose-to-tail with each other in the race, which was delayed by two-and-a-half hours due to rain. The plan executed well until Hornish Jr. was set back by persistent engine issues and retired from the race on lap 73. At this point, Meira took control of the race and held the lead until a round of green-flag pit stops shuffled Castroneves to the first position and Meira to second on lap 134. Meira made a valiant effort to close the gap, but it was in vain, as Castroneves scored the victory and retook the championship lead.July 31, 2006 Penske's MIS skid ends https://books.google.com/books?id=8YdIAAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA15&dq=helio%20castroneves%202006%20michigan&pg=PA15#v=onepage&q=helio%20castroneves%202006%20michigan&f=false October 23, 2025 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 15 Brooklyn, MichiganLewandowski Dave July 30, 2006 Follow the leader http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7223 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154308/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7223 October 17, 2006 October 23, 2025 IndyCar Brooklyn, Michigan Castroneves and Hornish Jr. started in the first and second positions for the Meijer Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway, marking the third consecutive race this occurred.IRL: Castroneves bumps teammate for Kentucky pole https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-castroneves-bumps-teammate-for-kentucky-pole/2094512/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20251024200044/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-castroneves-bumps-teammate-for-kentucky-pole/2094512/ October 24, 2025 October 24, 2025 Motorsport.com They traded the lead several times before pitting on lap 56; however, a poorly timed caution placed them several positions in arrears, allowing Wheldon and Dixon to take the lead. Castroneves and Hornish Jr. gradually climbed up through the field, and by lap 96, Hornish Jr. passed Meira shortly after a restart to reclaim the first position. Over the next 90 laps, Hornish Jr., Wheldon, and Bryan Herta (who made pit stops out of sequence from the leaders) intensely battled for the lead. Wheldon overshot the entry to his pit stall during his final stop on lap 185, which ultimately cost him a shot at the victory. After a caution was issued with less than ten laps remaining, Hornish Jr. overtook Dixon on lap 196 to earn the victory and the championship lead by seven points over Castroneves.August 13, 2006 Meijer Indy 300 Race Report https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-racing/releases/release-6a835cb58992ae7d7b2d48004c34bfcf-meijer-indy-300-race-report live https://web.archive.org/web/20251008195622/https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-racing/releases/release-6a835cb58992ae7d7b2d48004c34bfcf-meijer-indy-300-race-report October 8, 2025 October 24, 2025 Honda Racing Corporation Torrance, CaliforniaLewandowski Dave August 13, 2006 Reclaimed position http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7351 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154837/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7351 October 17, 2006 October 24, 2025 IndyCarAugust 14, 2006 Hornish Reclaims Series Lead With Win https://books.google.com/books?id=hCFSAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA10&dq=sam+hornish+jr.+kentucky&article_id=3963,3144329&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiMl5Gjp7uQAxVWFlkFHQRPLEI4ChDoAXoECA0QAw#v=onepage&q=sam%20hornish%20jr.%20kentucky&f=false October 24, 2025 Times-Union Warsaw, Indiana 10 The penultimate round and final road course race of the season, the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, saw competitors use various pit stop strategies to converse fuel. Pole-sitter Dixon's strategy worked most efficiently at first, as he led the first 40 of the first 50 laps, but fell to 12th after the air jack of his tire changer malfunctioned during a pit stop. Andretti subsequently took the lead on lap 51, although he tried to save fuel while being pursued by teammate Franchitti. Andretti was greatly assisted by a late caution period and he achieved his first IndyCar Series victory; in doing so, he became the youngest winner in American open-wheel car racing history, a record which was eventually surpassed by Graham Rahal in the 2008 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.Adams Bruce August 28, 2006 INDYCAR GRAND PRIX OF SONOMA / Andretti already / 19-year-old is youngest IndyCar winner https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/indycar-grand-prix-of-sonoma-andretti-already-2489614.php live https://web.archive.org/web/20251011012453/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/indycar-grand-prix-of-sonoma-andretti-already-2489614.php October 11, 2025 October 24, 2025 SFGateAugust 28, 2006 Once again, an Andretti makes history https://books.google.com/books?id=Li4zAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA7&dq=marco+andretti+sonoma&article_id=2982,8569135&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjM9dns3r2QAxVXkokEHSv_BtQQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=marco%20andretti%20sonoma&f=false October 24, 2025 The Free Lance-Star 7 Sonoma, CaliforniaOlson Jeff August 27, 2006 Marco Andretti takes historic win https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/marco-andretti-takes-historic-win-4403973/4403973/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250222232235/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/marco-andretti-takes-historic-win-4403973/4403973/ February 22, 2025 October 24, 2025 AutosportKotak Yash November 29, 2024 5 youngest IndyCar race winners in history ft. Colton Herta and more https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/5-youngest-indycar-race-winners-history-ft-colton-herta live https://web.archive.org/web/20251011023116/https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/5-youngest-indycar-race-winners-history-ft-colton-herta October 11, 2025 October 25, 2025 SportsKeeda.com Season finale Heading into the final round of the season, the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 at Chicagoland, four drivers—Castroneves, Hornish Jr., Wheldon, and Dixon—were all mathematically eligible to win the title.Lewandowski Dave August 29, 2006 Almost anything possible http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7455 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154240/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7455 October 17, 2006 October 25, 2025 IndyCar Coincidentally, the four title contenders qualified in the top four positions, with Hornish Jr. occupying the pole position.September 9, 2006 Hornish Claims Pole for Chicago Finale http://world.honda.com/INDY/2006/14chicagoland/qualifying/index.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111210064134/http://world.honda.com/INDY/2006/14chicagoland/qualifying/index.html December 10, 2011 October 25, 2025 Honda The race was mainly contested between CGR teammates Dixon and Wheldon, the latter of whom led a race-high 166 laps, while Hornish Jr. comfortably ran in third place. Wheldon's win was solidified after Dixon made slight contact with his right-rear tire, forcing Dixon to back off. With Wheldon finishing first and Hornish Jr. third, the two drivers were tied for the Drivers' Championship. The title was given to Hornish Jr. by virtue of his four wins in the season to Wheldon's two. Castroneves received a penalty early in the race for speeding on pit road and was unable to defend his championship lead; he ultimately finished third, two points behind Hornish Jr. and Wheldon, while Dixon remained fourth.September 10, 2006 Dan's race, Sam's title https://www.eurosport.com/indycar/chicago/2006/dan-s-race-sam-s-title_sto961710/story.shtml dead https://web.archive.org/web/20181218183133/https://www.eurosport.com/indycar/chicago/2006/dan-s-race-sam-s-title_sto961710/story.shtml December 18, 2018 October 25, 2025 EurosportOlson Jeff September 10, 2006 Wheldon wins, Hornish takes title https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/wheldon-wins-hornish-takes-title-4405699/4405699/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250119142810/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/wheldon-wins-hornish-takes-title-4405699/4405699/ January 19, 2025 October 25, 2025 AutosportLewandowski Dave September 10, 2006 TITLE TIEBREAKER http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7532 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154144/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7532 October 17, 2006 October 25, 2025 IndyCar The championship celebration was hosted at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 11, 2006. Hornish Jr. and team owner Roger Penske received a Mini IRL Cup for winning the championship. In addition, Hornish Jr. was awarded the Bosch Platinum Award for being the highest-finishing driver in the standings to use Bosch spark plugs and the Marlboro Pole Award for earning the most pole positions of the season. Andretti collected the Rookie of the Year and Rising Star awards.Lewandowski Dave September 11, 2006 Celebrating a 'special year' http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7550 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155853/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7550 October 17, 2006 October 25, 2025 IndyCar Post-season testing On September 26–27, five drivers (Dixon, Hornish Jr., Kanaan, Meira, and Wheldon) ran four cars in a highly anticipated test on the ten-turn, 2.73 mi km on road course configuration of Daytona International Speedway in order to determine if the circuit was compatible for testing in warm weather and to assess the ethanol-powered engines for 2007.Lewandowski Dave September 26, 2006 Drivers take historic laps at Daytona http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7618 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153845/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7618 October 17, 2006 May 10, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League It was the first time American open-wheel cars drove on the track since the 1959 USAC Daytona 100, in which Marshall Teague and George Amick were killed in separate accidents.Olson Jeff September 26, 2006 Teams begin Daytona test https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/teams-begin-daytona-test-4405457/4405457/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20260510183349/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/teams-begin-daytona-test-4405457/4405457/ May 10, 2026 May 10, 2026 Autosport The second day featured numerous incidents around the track, including Meira spinning into the wall while exiting the back stretch chicane, so track officials added an additional left and right turn in the circuit's infield portion.Olson Jeff September 27, 2006 Incident-packed test day at Daytona https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/incident-packed-test-day-at-daytona-4405432/4405432/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20220220132929/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/incident-packed-test-day-at-daytona-4405432/4405432/ February 20, 2022 May 10, 2026 AutosportLewandowski Dave September 27, 2006 A few extra turns in the road http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7622 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153534/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7622 October 17, 2006 May 10, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League The test was deemed a success, and rumors spread of a possible IndyCar Series race on the Daytona road course during Speedweeks in 2008, though this ultimately never materialized. Firestone hosted a private testing session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 2 and 3 for their different tire compounds.Olson Jeff October 2, 2006 Teams commence Indianapolis test https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/teams-commence-indianapolis-test-4405223/4405223/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20260510191214/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/teams-commence-indianapolis-test-4405223/4405223/ May 10, 2026 May 10, 2026 Autosport On the second day, Jeff Simmons crashed into the turn-two wall, but was uninjured.October 4, 2006 1 wreck, no injuries at IMS; Kanaan fastest http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061004/SPORTS01/610040465/1052 subscription dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120222000136/http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061004/SPORTS01/610040465/1052 February 22, 2012 May 10, 2026 IndyStar One week later, Meira and Scott Sharp tested at Iowa Speedway in anticipation for the series' inaugural event at the track in 2007.Lewandowski Dave October 10, 2006 Anticipation builds for race http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7670 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152530/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7670 October 17, 2006 May 10, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League Newton, Iowa Results and standings Races RoundRacePole positionFastest lapMost laps ledRace winnerReportDriverTeamChassis1USA HomesteadUSA Sam Hornish Jr.NZL Scott DixonUSA Sam Hornish Jr.GBR Dan WheldonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraReport2USA St. PetersburgGBR Dario FranchittiBRA Tony KanaanBRA Hélio CastronevesBRA Hélio CastronevesTeam PenskeDallaraReport3JPN MotegiBRA Hélio CastronevesNZL Scott DixonBRA Hélio CastronevesBRA Hélio CastronevesTeam PenskeDallaraReport4USA IndianapolisUSA Sam Hornish Jr.NZL Scott DixonGBR Dan WheldonUSA Sam Hornish Jr.Team PenskeDallaraReport5USA Watkins GlenBRA Hélio CastronevesUSA Marco AndrettiGBR Dan WheldonNZL Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingPanozReport6USA TexasUSA Sam Hornish Jr.GBR Dan WheldonGBR Dan WheldonBRA Hélio CastronevesTeam PenskeDallaraReport7USA RichmondBRA Hélio CastronevesBRA Hélio CastronevesUSA Sam Hornish Jr.USA Sam Hornish Jr.Team PenskeDallaraReport8USA KansasGBR Dan WheldonBRA Hélio CastronevesUSA Sam Hornish Jr.USA Sam Hornish Jr.Team PenskeDallaraReport9USA NashvilleGBR Dan WheldonGBR Dan WheldonGBR Dan WheldonNZL Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraReport10USA MilwaukeeBRA Hélio CastronevesZAF Tomas ScheckterBRA Tony KanaanBRA Tony KanaanAndretti Green RacingDallaraReport11USA MichiganBRA Hélio CastronevesJPN Kosuke MatsuuraBRA Vítor MeiraBRA Hélio CastronevesTeam PenskeDallaraReport12USA KentuckyBRA Hélio CastronevesUSA Bryan HertaGBR Dan WheldonUSA Sam Hornish Jr.Team PenskeDallaraReport13USA SonomaNZL Scott DixonBRA Tony KanaanNZL Scott DixonUSA Marco AndrettiAndretti Green RacingDallaraReport14USA ChicagolandUSA Sam Hornish Jr.USA Sam Hornish Jr.GBR Dan WheldonGBR Dan WheldonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraReportSources:Stats: 2006 Starting Lineups http://www.indycar.com/stats/lineup.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070417050933/http://www.indycar.com/stats/lineup.php?statYear=2006 April 17, 2007 October 25, 2025 IndyCar Stats: 2006 Race Results http://www.indycar.com/stats/race_results.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017145909/http://www.indycar.com/stats/race_results.php?statYear=2006 October 17, 2006 October 25, 2025 IndyCar Scoring system List of American Championship car racing points scoring systems Points were awarded to the competitors of each race using the following structure:101: Points Breakdown http://www.indycar.com/101/points.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060413182546/http://www.indycar.com/101/points.php April 13, 2006 October 25, 2025 IndyCar Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th13th14th15th16th17th18th–24th25th–33rdMLL Most laps ledPoints504035323028262422201918171615141312103 In the event that a driver participated in an event but could not start the race, the driver and its entry would be classified in the final starting position and receive half-points. Tiebreakers in points standings were determined by the number of wins a driver earned, followed by second-place finishes, third-place finishes, etc., and then by number of pole positions, followed by number of times qualified second, etc. Drivers' Championship standings Pos. PositionDriverHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPoints1USA Sam Hornish Jr.3*8411241*1*142191934752GBR Dan Wheldon11624*15*3*922*834*61*4753BRA Hélio Castroneves21*1*257110651413544734NZL Scott Dixon5296121141101624*24605BRA Vítor Meira165101026233152*6364116BRA Tony Kanaan11335117185121*451173847USA Marco Andretti1515122161449858171183258GBR Dario Franchitti41911714133126612923119USA Danica PatrickDNS68881215114417881230210ZAF Tomas Scheckter912132710107715357171029811USA Bryan Herta13462013116131171110101528912USA Scott Sharp71016995518171261614928713JPN Kosuke Matsuura677151881281317919131127314USA Ed CarpenterDNS201169816101671112525215USA Buddy RiceDNS13526418131716111315151323416USA Jeff Simmons1823191519107910147821717BRA Felipe Giaffone891521516171914218USA Buddy Lazier141414121916151512219USA Eddie Cheever1011131717141411420USA Jeff Bucknum321813141318179721AUS Ryan Briscoe3918168322USA P. J. Chesson121717335423CAN Marty RothDNQ1818193624USA Michael Andretti33525USA Sarah Fisher12163226USA A. J. Foyt IV141627ITA Max Papis141628USA Roger Yasukawa161429USA Jaques Lazier171330BRA Roberto Moreno181231BRA Airton Daré181232CZE Tomáš Enge191233USA P. J. Jones191234USA Townsend Bell221235USA Al Unser Jr.241236NLD Arie Luyendyk Jr.281037FRA Stéphan Grégoire291038USA Larry Foyt301039BRA Thiago Medeiros311040USA Paul DanaDNS†6 —USA Jon Herb Wth0Pos. PositionDriverHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPointsSources:Stats: 2006 Driver Point Standings http://www.indycar.com/stats/points.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20210223192529/https://www.indycar.com/stats/points.php?statYear=2006 February 23, 2021 October 25, 2025 IndyCar 2006 IRL IndyCar Series https://www.champcarstats.com/year/2006i.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20230702203644/http://www.champcarstats.com/year/2006i.htm July 2, 2023 October 25, 2025 ChampCarStats.com Key Color Result Gold Winner Silver Second place Bronze Third place Green Fourth–tenth place Blue Other finishing position(Outside top ten) Purple Did not finish Red Did not qualify (DNQ) Brown Withdrawn (Wth) Black Disqualified (DSQ) White Did not start (DNS) Blank Did not participateIn-line notationMeaningBoldPole positionItalicsFastest lap*Most race laps led†Fatal accident Rookie of the Year standings Pos. PositionDriverHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPoints1USA Marco Andretti1515122161449858171183252USA Jeff Simmons182319151910791014782173USA P. J. Chesson12171733544CAN Marty RothDNQ181819365USA Larry Foyt30106BRA Thiago Medeiros31107USA Paul DanaDNS†6Pos. PositionDriverHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPointsSource:Stats: 2006 Bombardier Rookie of the Year http://www.indycar.com/stats/rookie_of_the_year.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017150145/http://www.indycar.com/stats/rookie_of_the_year.php?statYear=2006 October 17, 2006 May 7, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League Entrant standings Pos. PositionNo. Entrant numberTeamHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPoints1 6Team Penske3*8411241*1*142191934752 10Chip Ganassi Racing11624*15*3*922*834*61*4753 3Team Penske21*1*257110651413544734 9Chip Ganassi Racing5296121141101624*24605 4Panther Racing165101026233152*6364116 11Andretti Green Racing11335117185121*451173847 27Andretti Green Racing4191171413312661292143278 26Andretti Green Racing1515122161449858171183259 16Rahal Letterman RacingDNS68881215114417881230210 2Vision Racing912132710107715357171029811 7Andretti Green Racing13462013116131171110101528912 8Fernández Racing71016995518171261614928713 55Fernández Racing677151881281317919131127314 20Vision RacingDNS18201169816101671112526415 5Dreyer & Reinbold Racing1414141231916159181512161623716 15Rahal Letterman RacingDNS13526418131716111315151323417 14A. J. Foyt Racing891521516171918131413181722918 17Rahal Letterman RacingDNS1823191519107910147822319 51Cheever Racing101119131717141412620 91Hemelgarn Racing121717335421 25Roth RacingDNQ1818193622 1Andretti Green Racing33523 52Cheever Racing141624 12Playa Del Racing161425 21Playa Del Racing171326 88Sam Schmidt Motorsports181227 90Vision Racing221228 31Dreyer & Reinbold Racing241229 98Curb-Agajanian-Beck Motorsports191230 92Hemelgarn Racing331031 41A. J. Foyt Racing301032 61Luyendyk Racing281033 18PDM Racing311034 97Team Leader-Curb-Agajanian-Beck Motorsports2910Pos. PositionNo. Entrant numberTeamHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPointsSource:Stats: 2006 Entrant Point Standings http://www.indycar.com/stats/entrant_points.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017150001/http://www.indycar.com/stats/entrant_points.php?statYear=2006 October 17, 2006 March 22, 2026 Indy Racing League Chassis manufacturer standings The highest-finishing entry for a chassis manufacturer scored points for the manufacturers' championship. Pos. PositionManufacturerHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPoints 1 ITA Dallara 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 137 10 10 10 10 7 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 2 USA Panoz DNS 2 5 8 1 — — — — — — — 4 — 45 7 7 7 7 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0Pos. PositionManufacturerHOMSTPMOTINDWGLTMSRICKANNSSMILMISKENSONCHIPoints Source:Stats: 2006 Manufacturer Point Standings http://www.indycar.com/stats/manufacturer_points.php?statYear=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017150140/http://www.indycar.com/stats/manufacturer_points.php?statYear=2006 October 17, 2006 May 8, 2026 indycar.com Indy Racing League Notes References Bibliography Higham Peter https://archive.org/details/guinnessguidetoi00high/ The Guinness Guide to International Motor Racing Motorbooks International 1995 978-0-7603-0152-4 London, England IndyCar Championship registration Internet Archive External links 2006 in IndyCar Series Complete results archive on the IndyCar website Category:IndyCar Series seasons Indycar Series Season, 2006 IndyCar Series