The Incoming 2012 IndyCar Teams.

Here is a preview of all the incoming full time IndyCar teams that will be running in the IndyCar Series in 2012. Some of these teams have never raced in IndyCar before, and some have been in and out of the IndyCar Series the past few years. All teams have some type of historical value behind them unless it's the newly formed Ed Carpenter Racing or Dragon Racing.

• Michael Shank Racing Formed by team owner Michael Shank, and part owner A.J. Allmendinger. Michael Shank Racing has been around in any major racing series since 2004 when they entered their first Grand-Am race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Michael Shank Racing has had pretty good success in the Rolex Series. This year Michael Shank Racing is looking to plant a seed in the IndyCar Series, and will try to find some success as a rookie team. They are looking to form just a one car operation for the first year, to give all the attention they can on their first and only driver. Michael Shank Racing has chosen Lotus as their official engine manufacture. They will be running out of their shop in Pataskala, Ohio, but will be running a separate operation from their Grand-Am Team. 

 My Prediction for Michael Shank Racing in 2012.

I do not think Michael Shank Racing will have the best of success during their 2012 rookie season. If they really are talking to experienced people that have previously worked in the IndyCar Series they might have some type of success. The one car operation will be struggling throughout their first season due to the lack of experience. 

• Rahal/Letterman Racing  Based out of Hilliard, Ohio, Rahal/Letterman Racing is owned and operated by Bobby Rahal. Rahal/Letterman Racing has had quite of bit success running in the IndyCar Series from 1991 to 2008 full time, and running off and on between 2009 to 2011. They even won the IndyCar Series World Title in 1992, and they won the 2004 Indianapolis 500 with Buddy Rice. Bobby Rahal is planning on running two full time entries for the upcoming 2012 IndyCar Season. Rahal/Letterman will powered by Honda in 2012 also. Possible drivers for them either could be Bertrand Baguette, or Jay Howard which have raced for the team in the past. Also Rahal/Letterman has talked to drivers with sponsors already like Paul Tracy. Rahal/Letterman also runs in the ALMS. 

My Prediction for Rahal/Letterman Racing in 2012.

Rahal/Letterman could be IndyCar Series Points Championship contenders if they gain the type of drivers they are looking to sign. With Tom Anderson as president of operations they should have a really good chance in gaining positive results running their first full time cars since 2008. I could even see them winning the Indianapolis 500 for the second time in 2012.

• Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing will run it's first season in the IndyCar Series this upcoming year. This team is owned by Tony George, and Ed Carpenter, which also will be the full time driver for the newly formed race team. They will be sponsored by Fuzzy's Vodka. It looks like Ed Carpenter Racing will be running engines powered by Lotus. They have shown that they will not be playing around in 2012 by hiring Derrick Walker as president of operations, and racing engineer Micheal Cannon. Also Ed Carpenter himself has plenty of experience in the IndyCar Series, even winning a race in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway.

My Prediction for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2012.

Ed Carpenter Racing should see some success in 2012. We'll see how well Ed Carpenter does on road course and street circuits, but with Michael Cannon he should easily finish in the Top 10 at any track. Ed could easily place in the Top 5 on the Points Standings during 2012 with how well everything is going for him.

• Bryan Herta Autosport Bryan Herta Autosport already won the Indianapolis 500 in their first and only start in the IndyCar Series. Owner Bryan Herta has shown he can really run a race team with a small budget. After winning the Indianapolis 500 with the late Dan Wheldon, they already have bragging rights in the IndyCar Series just by running in one race. They should have no problem finding a good sponsor for 2012. Don't forget that Bryan Herta Racing will be running a high powered Lotus engine.

My Prediction for Brain Herta Autosport in 2012.

If this team finds an experienced driver in 2012 they should have a chance of winning more Indianapolis 500's in the future, and will have great season in 2012. With a such a confident owner as Bryan Herta they will be a mainstay in the IndyCar Series not only for next season, but for many years to come.

• Dragon Racing Dragon Racing is owned by Jay Penske, and has ran in the IndyCar Series off and on with drivers like Rafael Matos, and Paul Tracy. With a small chance of gaining a major sponsor they will be struggling to even fund a full-time one car team in 2012. Lately not much info has been released from the team or Jay Penske himself sides that he is looking for sponsors. If Dragon Racing is around in 2012 more than likely they will be running Chevy engines, because of his father, Roger's partnership with Chevy.

My Prediction for Dragon Racing in 2012.

They will struggle next year, because they will be understaffed as in the past, and will have to deal with the hardship of running a car with an inexperienced driver. Dragon Racing will definitely be an underdog next season.