The 16 Best IndyCar Drivers of the 2000s

Multiple champions, Indy 500 legends, and Champ Car icons defined a fiercely competitive decade on ovals and street circuits alike. Household names raced wheel-to-wheel with cult favorites. Who was the best of the era?

1

Gil de Ferran

Brazilian two-time CART champion in 2000 and 2001 who won the 2003 Indianapolis 500.

1000pts

2

Scott Dixon

New Zealand's prolific champion who took IndyCar titles in 2003 and 2008 and won the 2008 Indy 500.

969pts

3

Sebastien Bourdais

Frenchman who won four consecutive Champ Car titles from 2004 to 2007.

895pts

4

Dan Wheldon

The popular Englishman who won the 2005 IndyCar title and Indianapolis 500.

830pts

5

Kenny Brack

Swedish former Indy 500 winner and IRL champion who raced into the early 2000s.

830pts

6

Ryan Briscoe

Australian Penske driver who became a consistent race winner late in the decade.

727pts

7

Danica Patrick

Trailblazing American whose 2005 rookie season made her one of the sport's biggest draws.

726pts

8

Helio Castroneves

The charismatic Brazilian who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2001, 2002, and 2009.

660pts

9

Sam Hornish Jr.

Three-time IRL IndyCar champion of the 2000s and dramatic 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner.

660pts

10

Tony Kanaan

The beloved Brazilian who dominated to win the 2004 IndyCar championship.

660pts

11

Cristiano da Matta

Brazilian who dominated the 2002 CART season to claim the championship.

581pts

12

Buddy Rice

American who won the rain-shortened 2004 Indianapolis 500.

581pts

13

Justin Wilson

Tall, beloved British driver who won races in both Champ Car and IndyCar.

581pts

14

Dario Franchitti

Scottish star who won the 2007 IndyCar title and the Indianapolis 500 the same year.

484pts

15

Paul Tracy

The hard-charging Canadian who won the 2003 Champ Car championship.

484pts

16

Bruno Junqueira

Brazilian Champ Car standout and multiple race winner across the decade.

484pts