IndyCar announced today new2 eligibility standards for participation in the NTT IndyCar Series. The new standards are an attempt to ensure rides go to drivers with qualifications and driving ability rather than anyone who can write a large enough check to get into a car.

I like that IndyNXT has a prioritize4d path to IndyCar. The top rung of the ladder series has needed more value, and these rules help provide it. The issue, as always, is seat availability.

The standards still allow for drivers from other major series to join the series [providing they have enough experience.

My concern is for teams like Dale Coyne Racing, who rely on large checks from a driver to fund their program for a season. Will Coyne need to sell a full charter or a part of one? How much time would that buy the team?

These standards will likely undergo some tweaking as they are put into practice.

Here are the new standards from iIdyCar:

I will have my Laguna Seca preview posted tomorrow morning.