What are the licensing requirments on rookie drivers?
A driver who is new to the IRL must pass a four-phase rookie test, consisting of ten-lap stages at four progressively higher speeds. During the test the rookie must hold to within a very narrow speed band (except for the last phase) as well as demonstrate smoothness, consistency, aptitude, and knowledge of the car and the racing conditions. This test must be observed by the IRL’s veteran driver committee, which is chaired by former Indy great Al Unser Sr., the IRL official in charge of drivers licensing, and includes a rotating cast of other veteran and retired IRL drivers. The test can be taken at any IRL venue, but if it is performed at any venue other than Indianapolis, then the driver will have to also go through the Indy rookie orientation program before being allowed to drive at Indy. The IRL will consider waiving part or all of the rookie test for drivers with previous experience in CART, Formula 1, or NASCAR Winston Cup.
