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IndyCar: Updated Silly Season driver lineup for 2018

By Asher Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: The cars coross the line for the start of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: The cars coross the line for the start of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – JUNE 09: James Hinchcliffe, driver of the #5 Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – JUNE 09: James Hinchcliffe, driver of the #5 Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Honda

#5. . No. 5. Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Honda. JAMES HINCHCLIFFE

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I would like to think that James Hinchcliffe will have a chance to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing next season, but with Brendon Hartley appearing to be Tony Kanaan’s replacement in the #10 Honda and the team likely becoming just a two-car operation, that probably won’t happen. However, Hinchcliffe, who is arguably IndyCar’s top free agent, won’t have to worry, because he and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports have been in talks about a contract extension already anyway, and the team has no reason to let him go. Expect Hinchcliffe to be back for a fourth straight season with the team in 2018.

No. 7. Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Honda. SANTIAGO URRUTIA. #7.

Santiago Urrutia recently stated that he had about 70% of the budget he needs in order to secure a full-time IndyCar ride in the 2018 season, although there has been no further update on that percentage. He certainly deserves a ride after two seasons in Indy Lights during which he totaled six victories and two 2nd place finishes in the championship standings. It would make sense for him to go Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, the team he drove for in Indy Lights in 2016, and it would make sense for the team to sign him to drive alongside a veteran like James Hinchcliffe.

Next: IndyCar driver power rankings

Which drivers do you think will end up with which teams in the 2018 IndyCar season? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow along with Beyond the Flag for the latest news, opinions and analysis stemming from a number of different motorsports series. You don’t want to miss any of it. Also be sure to follow Beyond the Flag on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.