INDYCAR announced today the 2013 Leaders Circle program has expanded to cover the returning 22 full-time entrants committed to date to compete in the 19-race IZOD IndyCar Series season.

The confirmed 19 returning members that finished in the top 22 in 2012 entrant points each have been awarded Leaders Circle designations. INDYCAR used its option to fill the three open positions based on the remaining order of 2012 entrant point standings. One entry from Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, HVM Racing and Dragon Racing each were awarded Leaders Circle positions.  In 2012, the program featured 20 entrants.

“While the Leaders Circle program was designed to ensure the quality of on-track competition was balanced throughout the field, we felt it was important to extend Leaders Circle benefits to all returning full-time entrants from last season,” INDYCAR CEO Jeff Belskus said. “Including all 22 entrants for 2013 allows the IZOD IndyCar Series to continue to build upon the foundation the program has laid over the last several years.”

The Leaders Circle program was established in 2002 to provide incentives to teams that participate full time in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Each Leaders Circle member is assured a minimum of $1 million for the 19-race season if the entrant successfully qualifies for the Indianapolis 500.

“While we are seeing a slight decrease in Leaders Circle payout this season, our goal is to reinvest in the series with more promotion to increase the value of participation for all of those involved,” Belskus said.

With the increase in Leaders Circle entrants from 20 to 22 this season, non-Leaders Circle entrants will compete for payouts awarded to the top three finishers. In each race aside from the Indianapolis 500, the highest-finishing non-Leaders Circle entrant will receive $40,000, followed by $35,000 and $30,000.

Additionally, all entrants will continue to compete for bonuses of $35,000 for first place, $25,000 for second, $20,000 for third, $15,000 for fourth and $10,000 for fifth place at each IZOD IndyCar Series race aside from the Indianapolis 500. 

The IZOD IndyCar Series champion and championship entrant again will share a $1 million bonus, with second through fifth in the standings sharing bonuses of $250,000, $175,000, $125,000 and $75,000.

Contingency prizes will continue to be awarded at IZOD IndyCar Series events. The season opens March 24 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Subject to change