Today the Indy Racing League announced a return to the moniker "IndyCar." Since the 1990s rival CART was entitled to use the name under an agreement with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Informally, most referred to both series collectively as "Indy cars."

2002 saw quite a few changes in the open-wheel landscape which is perfectly culminated in this name change. CART saw a new leader boldly step out in an attempt to save the series--an attempt that has clearly failed. IRL saw a horde of defections and a growing enthusiasm among fans. The year was marked by few lead changes during CART races and thrilling side-by-side battles in the IRL. CART found itself staring 2003 in the face without any major engine providers while the IRL had Chevy, Toyota, and Honda lined up. CART saw major defections to both the IRL and F1. The IRL saw enough talent to start a development series. Finally, CART signed Ford to badge engines yet may not field 18 cars at each event. The Indy Racing League is bursting at the seems with talent and at the dawn of a new year has returned to the name it so rightfully gave open-wheel racing.