IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series drivers descended on Indianapolis this week for meetings in preparation for the 2008 season that begins in seven weeks with an Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Sixty-six drivers passed physical examinations at the Clarian Medical Centre at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

They also participated in an informational meeting on the morning of January 8.

“It's really refreshing to start a new season and forget most of the things that happened in '07,” Panther Racing driver Vitor Meira said.

“Everything is new. That's how you want to start a new year, with all of the old experiences, but with new opportunities. That's what really cheers me up.”

“It is a bit exciting to do the interviews, get the TV, have the photos taken, do the safety meeting, meet all the other drivers again,” added Darren Manning, who will drive the #14 ABC Supply Co.-sponsored car for the second year.

“It's all kicking back off again. Mainly now it's preparation with the team and yourself. You're working out, visiting with the team and meeting with your engineers.

“You might be making seats and fine-tuning your cockpit arrangement. You might have wanted to do something to your pedals or your steering wheel because once you get into the season you have very little time to tweak what you've got.”