I predict that the season will begin with much flux as teams dial in their newly-decorated Dallara DW12 racecars. While theearly spoils will go to the two teams that perennially prepare their cars the best (Penske and Ganassi) other teams will begin to break through as early as Long Beach. The points battle will go back and forth between Penske's, Ganassi's, and KV's Brazilian drivers and shift mainly between Chevy and Honda for the manufacturers' title, but I have a strong feeling that Will power shakes off the monkey, and avoids the engine problems that have thus far been nagging at the Honda powerplants. Rubens Barrichello impresses with three victories, all on road course, and strong runs on the ovals, but in the end loses the title in the last race to Will Power. Dario finishes third in the points, having strong races throughout the year but succumbing to engine manufacturer woes.
1 – St. Petersburg Pole: Dixon Most Laps: Dixon Win: Power
2 – Barber Pole: Power Most Laps: Power Win: Dixon
3 – Long Beach Pole: Power Most Laps: Hunter-Reay Win: Hunter-Reay
4 – Sao Paulo Pole: Power Most Laps: Barrichello Win: Barrichello
5 – Indianapolis Pole: Franchitti Most Laps: Kanaan Win: Kanaan
6 – Belle Isle Pole: Dixon Most Laps: Castroneves Win: Castroneves
7 – Texas Pole: Briscoe Most Laps: Andretti Win: Andretti
8 – Milwaukee Pole: Dixon Most Laps: Kanaan Win: Kanaan
9 – Iowa Pole: Kanaan Most Laps: Franchitti Win: Franchitti
10 – Toronto Pole: Wilson Most Laps: Hinchcliffe Win: Hinchcliffe
11 – Edmonton Pole: Power Most Laps: Power Win: Power
12 – Mid-Ohio Pole: Power Most Laps: Barrichello Win: Barrichello
13 – Qingdao Pole: Barrichello Most Laps: Barrichello Win: Barrichello
14 – Infineon Pole: Franchitti Most Laps: Franchitti Win: Franchitti
15 – Baltimore Pole: Power Most Laps: Castroneves Win: Rahal
16 – Fontana Pole: Carpenter Most Laps: Kanaan Win: Power
Mario Andretti Road Course Champion: Rubens Barrichello
AJ Foyt Oval Champion: Tony Kanaan
2012 IZOD IndyCar Series Champion: Will Power over Rubens Barrichello