They don't give out a "Most Improved Driver" award in the IndyCar Series, but if they did, Ryan Briscoe would likely win it for the second year in a row.
Not that the Australian, who turned 28 just a couple of weeks ago, had much room for improvement.
Briscoe had a breakthrough season in 2008, winning two races (plus an unofficial exhibition contest in his homeland) and finishing fifth in the IndyCar Series standings. This year, he's upped the victory tally to three heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and he's third in the championship, just eight points behind leader Scott Dixon.
More importantly, he's added consistency to his repertoire, with a string of second-place finishes and fewer mistakes.
"We always knew Ryan was quick," observed Dario Franchitti of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, who sits between his teammate Dixon and Briscoe in the standings. "He's just kind of calmed down. I think Roger [Penske] has helped him a lot and he's become very consistent.
"We all make mistakes. At this stage, I still make mistakes even with a bunch of experience. His mistakes are getting fewer but the pace is still there. He's a challenge."
Briscoe had a 25-point championship lead prior to the recent race at Motegi, Japan, but made one of his rare errors this season by crashing into the pit wall. Ryan's Team Penske running mate Helio Castroneves said he believes Briscoe has put the gaffe behind him and will be mentally strong for Homestead.
"As I see it, after Japan, Ryan was able to turn the page and focus on what he needs to be doing now," Castroneves said. "That's pretty big. Sometimes you keep asking yourself 'Why this or why that?' But I noticed he already moved on and that's good. That's the right attitude you have.
"He's young, but he has a lot of experience in different cars and different scenarios. He's faced a lot of ups and downs. I feel it's going to be a very interesting finish to the championship."
For his part, Briscoe is satisfied with his season and the job he has done for Team Penske -- to a point.
"You know, it really has been a fantastic year for me," he remarked. "Mistakes have been made on my part, but I feel I'm still improving and getting stronger and need to improve on some areas. But it's just a phenomenal feeling being where I am right now. I wouldn't have thought it a few years ago. [The championship] would be unbelievable. I don't think I've ever wanted something so much.
"I'm just really graceful for the opportunity that's been given to me, especially by Roger Penske and [team president] Tim Cindric getting me to where I am now. It's just amazing. And to win the championship is really just an added bonus for everything that's happened. But win or lose, it's been a great year and I'll be back next year to try to do it again."
He's anticipating an exciting battle between himself and the Ganassi drivers at Homestead. Of the three championship contenders, Briscoe has the best record on 1.5-mile speedways in 2009, with an average finish of fifth. He won recently at Kentucky Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway, both in photo finishes.
"I think the three of us have raced very closely throughout the whole season," he said of himself, Franchitti and Dixon. "We have a bit of confidence and faith in each other's abilities at this point and I think that's got to continue. I don't really see anything different happening in this race. We've got to be smart and aggressive, but safe as well. And certainly take it to the line. We've sort of worked up a certain amount of respect between the three of us, which we're going to need going into this race.
"Otherwise the approach going into the race is the same. We've all been doing a great job at all of these races this year. And there is no reason to change up what we've been doing. There's just a bit more on the line there as you come down to the final stages of the race."
If anything, Briscoe said he thinks he could have an advantage because the Ganassi drivers will be racing each other for the title, whereas Castroneves will be working to Team Penske's benefit if he manages to find himself racing with the championship contenders.
"I think we're all feeling the same pressure going in," Briscoe said. "I'm sure Scott and Dario will still be working together to try to get the best performance out of their car, but in the same way, I'll be working with Helio moving into the race, trying to get the best setup as well. I think we're all in the same boat.
"I've been spending time with the team, trying to be 100 percent prepared for this week and we tested down at Homestead with Dario. Aside from that, I've just being sort of doing my day-to-day life at home. It's actually been quite easy. I've been really excited and motivated and really just can't wait for this weekend to come. So I'm happy we're finally here."
