2001 in IRL
| 2001 Indy Racing League season | |
|---|---|
| Indy Racing Northern Light Series | |
 |
|
| Season | |
| Races | 13 |
| Start date | March 18 |
| End date | October 6 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |
 Sam Hornish, Jr.
|
| Indianapolis 500 winner |
 Hélio Castroneves
|
The 2001 Indy Racing Northern Light Series saw the addition of five races and loss of one to bring the total to 13. Chip Ganassi Racing returned to the Indy 500 with four cars and were joined on the grid by Penske Racing and Team Kool Green. Many other CART teams made clear their intention to enter the IRL given their series' financial difficulties. Sam Hornish, Jr. won 3 races on his way to the championship while the less consistent Buddy Lazier won four races on his way to second place in his title defense.
This race was held March 18 at Phoenix International Raceway. Greg Ray won the pole.
Top ten results
This race was held April 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Jeff Ward won the pole.
Top ten results
This race was held April 28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Greg Ray won the pole.
Top ten results
The Indy 500 was held May 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Scott Sharp sat on pole.
Top ten results
This race was held June 9 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mark Dismore won the pole. The race was marred by a severe crash involving Davey Hamilton, who lost control after Jeret Schroeder blew an engine, and Hamilton drove in the oil. Hamilton then crashed hard into the turn 2 wall, causing serious injuries to both legs and feet. The crash effectively ended Hamilton's full-time racing career.
Top ten results
This race was held June 17 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Greg Ray won the pole.
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