Dixon has competition as IndyCar revs its engines

The reigning series champion, Scott Dixon faces stiff competition as he looks to repeat. Getty Images/Robert Laberge

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- After the longest offseason in sports, the IndyCar Series is back, beginning with this weekend's Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. That means the return of sleek, high-flying machines and some of racing's most diverse drivers as they begin a 17-race schedule that includes short ovals, intermediate ovals, big tracks, streets and natural terrain road courses.

While the IndyCar season includes some outstanding races, none is bigger than the Indianapolis 500, which actually pays the winner more than the bonus given to the IndyCar Series champion.

As IndyCar enters its second season as a unified series, the competition level should be higher -- now that the transition teams have had a season to work with the cars. That should boost drivers like Graham Rahal and Will Power to the contending ranks as they look to compete with Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick.

Here, then, is SI.com's IndyCar Primer In Fives.

Five Races To Watch

93rd Indianapolis 500

Attending the Indianapolis 500 in any year is special, but this year is the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There is no other race in the world that has the tradition, the history and the spine-tingling drama of this race. It's not just a race; it's an event of epic proportions. Thanks to unification, last year's 500-mile race generated tremendous interest and a packed house at the Speedway. According to IMS officials, ticket sales for this year's race are ahead of last year despite the sluggish economy.

What makes the Indianapolis 500 great is its history, which can't be duplicated by other tracks. But throw in 33 sleek, high-powered IndyCars whipping around the four-corner, 2-1/2-mile oval at speeds over 225 mph and it's enough to send a shiver down your spine.

Texas Motor Speedway

The Bombardier Lear Jet 550 is a chance for IndyCar racing to be showcased under the bright lights of Texas Motor Speedway, which has become the second home to IndyCar since its debut in 1997. Texas Motor Speedway president and general manager Eddie Gossage is one of the best promoters in sports and understand the value of promotion and publicity. The Dallas/Fort Worth market has embraced this race, which has drawn as many as 129,000 fans and continues to attract crowds between 70,000 and 80,000. The high-banked, 1-1/2-mile oval allows the IndyCars to race in large packs featuring side-by-side racing. What is most impressive is that IndyCar drivers are able to get through this race without calamity. That said, expect a few crashes here and there. It is also the home to some of the closest finishes in IndyCar history.

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The first street-course race in IndyCar Series history was this event in 2005, and it has been a smash hit ever since. Usually the second race on the schedule, it's the season-opener this year as Homestead-Miami Speedway will now host the season finale. St. Petersburg offers sun and fun by the bay as the course winds through the downtown streets with the main straightaway the runway of the Albert Whitted Airport. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker is IndyCar's No. 1 fan in this city, and his support has turned this into a gigantic party on Florida's Gulf Coast, giving race fans their own version of Spring Break.

Long Beach Grand Prix

Another street course race makes the list this year as the IndyCar Series competes in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach for the first time. Last year's race gave IndyCar points, but with the regular teams from the year before in Japan, it was promoted as the Champ Car Series finale.

This is the most successful street race in the United States and one of the best street events in the world. Just as the Indianapolis 500 is an annual ritual for race fans, the Long Beach Grand Prix is a rite of Spring.

Chicagoland Speedway

For the past few years, this track has hosted the IndyCar Series season finale. This year the race moves from early September to late August and will be held on Saturday night. It will be the first night-time IndyCar race at this 1-1/2-mile track, which has featured some of the most dramatic finishes in IndyCar history. A large crowd attends this race because it's part of a season-ticket that also includes July's NASCAR Sprint Cup race. But with Indiana 30 miles to the East, a large contingent of IndyCar fans from the Hoosier State make sure this race is well attended.