Tough times for Adrian Fernandez

Adrian Fernandez won three of the final five IRL IndyCar races of 2004, but may well only take part in a select few races next year due to budgetary restraints. Fernandez joined the championship from Champ Car in 2004 and had enjoyed long term support from Tecate and Telmex but both companies are not supporting the Mexican in 2005 according to SpeedTV.

“I don't know what's happening with our economy but right now it's really hurting," Robin Miller of SpeedTV report Fernandez as saying. “Tecate was with me for 11 years and Telmex for eight so I guess that's pretty good when you look at everyone else. I've had Quaker State for 18 years and they'll be back next year but I've got to find some more sponsorship."

While Fernandez's own program is uncertain, the team will however be represented by at least two entries in next year's championship. Scott Sharp joins the team with backing from Delphi, while Kosuke Matsuura will be back once again.

Meanwhile, Patrick Racing look unlikely to be back in the series in 2005. The team ran a Dallara Chevrolet in 2004 with little success with Al Unser Jr then Jacques Lazier and finally Tomas Enge completing the season.

Earl ALEXANDER
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