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5 IndyCar drivers to watch in 2017

By Brittany Frederick

Team Penske's Josef Newgarden observes the IndyCar team test at Sebring International Raceway. Photo Credit: Chris Owens/Courtesy of IndyCar
Team Penske's Josef Newgarden observes the IndyCar team test at Sebring International Raceway. Photo Credit: Chris Owens/Courtesy of IndyCar /
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Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden observes the IndyCar team test at Sebring International Raceway. Photo Credit: Chris Owens/Courtesy of IndyCar /

Who are the IndyCar drivers to watch in 2017? From Josef Newgarden and beyond, here are five you should follow during this Verizon IndyCar Series season.

We’re just days away from the start of the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season. That means it’s time to answer the annual question: Who are the IndyCar drivers to watch?

There is certainly not a shortage of candidates to consider. The 2016-2017 offseason involved many drivers changing teams and situations. Some were expected, like Josef Newgarden finally getting his seat with one of IndyCar’s premier teams. Others not so much, such as the sad end to what was KV Racing Technology. This past fall was an incredibly busy period in which many teams and drivers were markedly different from where we left them.

But the talent pool, and thus the conversation, in IndyCar is unbelievably deep. Almost every full-time Verizon IndyCar Series driver has a storyline to follow this year. They all have strengths and weaknesses. And we know they all want to be holding the Astor Cup when it’s September. If you’re an IndyCar fan, we’ve compiled this list of the five drivers to watch this year, whether it’s because they’re title contenders or we’re simply curious to see what happens to them next.

Click through this slideshow to find out which five drivers are on our radar going into March 12’s season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Then let us know the teams you’re looking at this season in the comments.