Congrats to RHR and Andretti Autosport, they've done a great job after several years in the wilderness (relatively) and Ryan has shown great consistency this year.

Credit to Will Power too. I've never been a fan of him due to some of his off track antics but he showed a lot of dignity and class to be one of the first to congratulate Ryan. He's in danger of becoming IndyCar's Nori Haga though, three years in a row he's lost it at the finale.

Great article. And what a race, it was really worth staying up for. Those last 10 laps were the most nervewracking oval laps I've ever seen.

Congratulations to anyone in IndyCar for a great season, let's hope 2013 is even better.

Congratulations to RHR and Andretti Racing. A few weeks ago I would have thought their season was over, especially after Tags punted RHR out of contention at Sonoma. He came back at Baltimore and did what he had to do at Fontana. A very worthy champion.

I have to feel for Will Power. He's obviously the fastest road racer in the series. He's improved his oval skills the last few years also. The poor guy must be wondering what he has to do to win a title.

RHR or WP, it doesnt matter, it was a brilliant race (which sadly I didnt see live) and IndyCar season. Congrats to RHR. Here's looking forward to 2013!!!

Remember 2 races back? 1st briscoe 2nd power . No team orders

I've been a Ryan Hunter-Reay fan since his early days in the Barber Dodge Pro Series. The man has had success in every fo rm of racing he's been in. I've always known in my heart that he would win a championship, but I never imagined that the road to it would be so tough. These last several years haven't been kind to him as he would very often lose his raceseat in favor of a pay driver despite winning races and putting up good results. Michael Andretti gave him the break he needed and deserved. Kudos to RHR: Indycar Champion!

Will Penske keep Power next year ?. I'm not so sure. Yet again he's thrown away the title.

Bet Penske thought they wouldn't need team orders when RHR went 24th and 18th at Mid-Ohio and Sonoma!

Sharla82 - Power is already signed for next year with Penske. Dario, Kimball, Hinchcliffe, TK, Pagenaud, Hildebrand, Newgarden, Legge and de Silvestro have all re-signed for their current teams and Dixie is 99% likely to remain at Ganassi. Tagliani is also likely to stay at BHA, Ed Carpenter owns his car so is staying and Marco Andretti continues to live off name rather than talent.

Source: speed.com

Good job to Ryan Hunter Reay he has bounced a round a bit despite his skills. So it's well deserved.

As for Will Power I am actually disappointed that he did not win it. I felt he also deserved it given his performances the past 3 years. But personally I think it's the team's fault he did not win. I know he is not as good on ovals so the team clearly knew that also. So at Sonoma where he deserved the win they elected to help out Briscoe's career instead. Had Power won there he would have been champion.

But why would the team keep telling him to past Hunter Reay? All he had to do is follow him. Finishing right behind him or even a couple spots back would have been just fine.

It's hard to keep this mental focus for long. Hopefully Power can still have the form to mount another challenge next year.

Congrats to RHR and Ed Carpenter, both these guys have worked very hard to get in this position. Funny watching a post-race celebration with Vodka instead of champagne.

Congrats also to Crash for a well-written and detailed account of the race. You need to have this guy write some of your F1 articles.