IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers Josef Newgarden (left) and James Hinchcliffe (right) (WIBC.com photo: Mike Corbin)

INDYCAR is gearing up for a new season.

Fans braved the wet, chilly conditions on Georgia Street near Pan Am Plaza in downtown Indianapolis Tuesday. That's where young drivers Josef Newgarden and James Hinchcliffe signed autographs for fans. INDYCAR says Indianapolis-based fans are their most passionate and vocal.

INDYCAR Spokesman Kasey Coler says they're kicking off the season in St. Petersburg. He says American Champ Ryan Hunter-Reay is returning. He says they're proud of the new talent that's up and coming. Coler says they'll have their first four races on NBC Sports Network followed by ABC in Indianapolis for about six races and back on NBC. The 2013 season kicks off March 24th.