Season-End Awards

Well, the IndyCar offseason is now a week old, and I'm still savoring that terrific finale. As always happens at the conclusion of a season, I'm also reflective. Time to hand out IndyAnnie's annual season awards!

Best Race: Prior to the season finale, I would have voted Brazil as my favorite race of the year because it featured some exciting passing, a last-lap pass, and a surprise winner. But I have to say Fontana was the best race. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I could not predict the outcome. Cars stayed grouped together for much of the race, which generated some good passes and three- or four-wide action. You also have to be impressed with the way the finishing drivers handled the tough, grueling conditions of a 500-miler. Yes, there were a great deal of crashes and only nine cars finished the race, but even until the end, we were treated to some pure racing drama. I'm still thinking about it many days later!

Worst Race: I know a lot of people will say Texas was the worst race of the year because it lacked action, but to me, the worst race was Toronto Race 2. I don't get bored by motorsports very often, but that race failed to sustain my attention. Dixon ran away with it, and his victory was never in doubt. No one could come close to catching him, and even behind him, there wasn't much action. I may be a little biased because I was at the Texas race, and it's always more exciting to actually be at the races, but I stand by my choice.

Driver of the Year of course has to go to Scott Dixon, because he won the most races and he won them on different tracks: ovals and street courses. He's also the champ so it's tough to argue with this one.

Rookie of the Year: Carlos Munoz. I know Tristan Vautier was the default winner of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year, and he started the year strong and participated in all IndyCar races, but let's be honest. Munoz was far more exciting to watch. He captivated an audience with his daring moves at both Indianapolis and Fontana, and I think we're all eagerly looking forward to what he can do as a full-time driver.

Most Improved Driver: Charlie Kimball earned a lot of respect this year. He showed everyone he should not be considered a Ganassi B-teamer, but a serious contender each and every race. He scored a podium at Pocono, won his first IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio, and challenged Will Power for the lead at Fontana. He has developed into one heck of a race car driver, and he should only continue to improve on the Ganassi superteam next year.

Move of the Year: This has to be James Hinchcliffe's last-lap pass on Takuma Sato to win in Sao Paulo. We saw a lot of great moves and passes this year, so it's hard to pinpoint just one, but to me, Hinch's move was the most memorable of the year. It was the only one that had me jumping out of my seat cheering, too.

Best Moment: Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrating his first Father's Day with his son in Victory Lane at Milwaukee was pretty touching, but I think the best moment was Tony Kanaan's Indy 500 win. Finally, TK captured that elusive victory. And the roar from the crowd as he took the checkered flag was unforgettable. That moment was special.

Biggest (Pleasant) Surprise: All the first-time winners we had this year, and the surprising amount of parity in the field. Four first-time winners, four first-time podium finishers, ten different race winners, and twenty different drivers on the podium throughout the year. Now, the finale did come down to a Penske-Ganassi showdown once again, but overall the field was very competitive, with anyone having a legitimate chance to win each race.

Biggest Disappointment: Without a doubt, I am hugely disappointed that IndyCar will not be returning to Baltimore next year or probably ever again. This was one of my favorite races because it looked spectacular on TV, and it produced some exciting racing. I hope some other city steps up to take its place and give us the same quality entertainment that Baltimore provided.

Quote of the Year: This was tough, because we've had some memorable ones over the year, such as Dixon's "That was a d*ck move right there" comment in reference to Power's crew member. But my personal favorite comes from Will Power, as he spoke about Sebastien Bourdais in Detroit: "He once was a champ, now he's a chump."

All in all, it was an enjoyable, entertaining IndyCar Series season once again. I will continue to post some news, thoughts, analysis, and reflections throughout the offseason. Just because the season is over doesn't mean we have to stop thinking and talking about IndyCar. After all, there are only five months until St. Pete!