As IndyCar Testing Continues, Free Agents Vie for Final Spots

Mar. 1, 2013; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Scott Speed during qualifying for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Speed

Upside: Out of nowhere, Speed appeared for a seat-fitting with Andretti, where he could bring a versatile résumé. After ascending the European ladder to F1, Speed became a winner in ARCA and NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series. He’s even an X Games gold medalist in RallyCross and tested in Formula E with the Andretti team. Known for his personality, whether positively or not, Speed would add some zest to the IndyCar grid.

Questions: Only two parties know just how serious Speed’s equipment check is. Not all of his past comments on IndyCar have been glowing, and his ill-fated Indy 500 attempt with Dragon Racing left a sour taste.

Verdict: Speed’s a full-time racer in the Global RallyCross series. He’s one of many who could be part-time for Andretti if a ride, whether the fourth or a shocking fifth car, uses a lengthy roster.