Indianapolis, IN (My Sportsbook) - The Indy Racing League has modified its bonus points prior to the start of the 2009 IndyCar season. The pole winner will now collect one bonus point, while the driver who leads the most laps will receive two points. The points system for each race - descending from 50 for first place, 40 for second, 35 for third, etc. - remains unchanged. The IRL will award points based on qualifying for the first time since 2000. All three bonus points were given to the lap leader for each event the past eight seasons. "The fight for the pole is full of drama on ovals and on road and street courses," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations for the IndyCar Series. "It seems appropriate that the driver who can survive four laps driving on the edge on ovals, or who can make it through three elimination rounds on road and street courses, be rewarded for their efforts with a point towards the championship." The pole winner also will receive a $10,000 pole award prize for races other than the Indianapolis 500 ($100,000). The IndyCar season begins April 5 in St. Petersburg, FL. |
