Ok, over the past few weeks, there’s been plenty of discussion about what’s WRONG in IndyCar racing.

And that topic deserves discussion. There’s no question the oval racing has regressed this year.

But the series is taking the heat and doing something about it, starting at Kentucky. We’ll see if it works or not.

But in the meantime, lets talk about some of the things that are RIGHT with the series.

First off, for road course fans, there’s great permanent circuits,  such as this weekend’s stop, Watkins Glen.

I always look forward to any race at this historic venue.

In a few weeks, I’ll be heading to Mid-Ohio.

I simply love Mid-Ohio. I know, it’s tough to pass there, you’re not going to see 10 lead changes. But it’s always a competitive event in a beautiful setting in my home state.

In the meantime,  there’s Toronto. I’m not always the biggest street racing fan in the world. But the IndyCar Series has some quality street races. Long Beach, St. Pete, Toronto.

The Canadian fans are passionate, and hopefully a year away from big time racing won’t hurt the crowd.

What else is right about the IndyCar Series? Here’s just a FEW examples.

The jovial Tony Kanaan. You’re never going to find a nicer, more genuine guy, in ANY series.

The razor-sharp Target Twins, Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon. They’re simply two of the greatest drivers in the world, but also, two of the most approachable on race weekends.

The exuberance of Helio Castroneves. When you meet Helio, he always makes you feel like you’re his long-lost friend.

Lionheart Dan Wheldon. No driver born outside of the United States cares more about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than Wheldon. Dan doesn’t put on an act for anyone, he’s simply an outstanding  driver and an even better person.

The champion in waiting, Graham Rahal. Graham’s dad was one of the nicest drivers at the track during his days in CART. Rahal 2.0 learned from him well.  I saw him signing autographs for a group of people in Gasoline Alley at the Speedway in May. I stopped counting at 75, and Graham thanked each one for their support.

That’s right. The biggest thing that’s RIGHT with the IndyCar Series, are the fan-friendly drivers. Watch the crowds around Sarah Fisher and Milka Duno, I don’t think Milka’s turned down an autograph seeker in her life.

NASCAR always likes to suggest they’re the most fan-friendly, but compared to the ICS, it’s really not even close.

At IndyCar Series races, you can usually buy a pit or garage pass, and meet your favorite driver, while he or she is on the way to doing their job.

Imagine being able to buy a ticket to the St. Louis Cardinals dugout, and being able to score Albert Pujols’ autograph as he walks to the clubhouse.

That’s obviously not going to happen.

But you CAN buy a pass at the IndyCar Series races to be able to meet Danica, or Helio, or Dario Franchitti if you want.

And while you’re in the garage, you will see A.J. Foyt, or Roger Penske, or Rick Mears, or Johnny Rutherford, among others!

That’s 26 Indianapolis 500 wins just walking around the garage area. Have a Sharpie ready.

But if you don’t want to buy a pass, the IndyCar Series still has you covered. Because at EACH of their events, they have all of their drivers sign autographs for the fans in a specially scheduled session.

You don’t need a pass, just a little patience to wait in line.

It’s frankly an incredible opportunity. For the price of a general admission ticket, you can meet any driver of your choice.

THAT’S what I call fan friendly.

That’s the IndyCar Series.

Yes, the series is facing turmoil in the leadership department.

Yes, the racing on ovals needs some improvement.

But there are plenty of positives in this series, look around, it’s too easy to lose sight of that sometimes.