Throughout the history of the IndyCar Series, there have been a number of talented drivers who have earned Rookie of the Year honors. From Ryan Hunter-Reay winning the yearly award in 2007 to James Hinchliffe recently winning, I have created the following list of the past five drivers who have been crowned as the Rookie of the Year.
Here are the past five drivers who have won the IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year award:
Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2007
The 31-year-old driver won the IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year award in 2007, for having a great debut season. Over the span of his relatively short career, Hunter-Reay has started in 101 races and he has won three competitions. The American auto racer now drives for Andretti Autosport.
Hideki Mutoh in 2008
This Japanese auto racer has boing doing well in the IndyCar Series. Hideki Mutoh has not won a race yet, but he has started in 53 races. Currently racing for Newman/Haas Racing, Mutoh is only 29-years-old and could possibly win an IndyCar Series in the future, because he is a talented driver.
Raphael Matos in 2009
Raphael Matos, who is a very good Brazilian auto driver, was the IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year in 2009. Matos has started in 34 competitions but he has yet to win a pole or race. The 30-year-old driver is currently competing for AFS Racing.
Alex Lloyd in 2010
Alex Lloyd is one of the youngest and most talented drivers in the IndyCar Series. Born in Manchester, England, in 1984, Alex Lloyd has started in 20 races throughout his career but has not won a pole or race.
James Hinchliffe in 2011
Born on December 5, 1986, in Oakville, Ontario, James Hinchliffe is currently racing for the Newman/Haas Racing team. Hinchliffe, who has not yet won an IndyCar Series race, has started in 16 competitions and has the potential to eventually win many races, as he is very talented and has much potential. On an interesting note, he was the 2010 Greg Moore Legacy Award winner.
Tom Harrington has been a dedicated follower of IndyCar Racing for several years. Harrington's all-time favorite IndyCar drivers are Helio Castroneves, Roberto Moreno and Marco Andretti.
Sources:
Arni Sribhen, "Catching up with top rookies," IZOD IndyCar Series.
"IndyCar: James Hinchliffe shocked at Newman/Haas Racing's demise," Autoweek.com.
