Indy Racing League
The Indy Racing League (IRL), better known as IRL, is the promoter of an all-oval open-wheel racing series in the United States and more recently, Japan. Among the races it sponsors is the Indianapolis 500. IRL began in 1994 and is owned by Hulman and Co. which also owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex. IRL was masterminded in 1994 by Tony George and was created with a break-away group of drivers from CART who had coordinated Indycar racing since 1979.
- Season champions since inauguration
- 1996 - Mike Groff, United States
- 1997 - Tony Stewart, United States
- 1998 - Kenny Brack, Sweden
- 1999 - Greg Ray, United States
- 2000 - Buddy Lazier, United States
- 2001 - Sam Hornish Jnr, United States
- 2002 - Sam Hornish Jnr, United States
- 2003 - Scott Dixon, New Zealand