For the briefest of moments, IndyCar’s silly season has hit the pause button.

Theo Pourchaire was in and then he was out. Nolan Siegel was looking to 2025 to fully launch his career, but now he’s in. Alexander Rossi is in, but he’ll need to find a new home because he’s due to be out in September. David Malukas was out, now he’s in, but only temporarily. And Christian Lundgaard remains in, but he’s headed towards a bigger spotlight.

Despite the temporary break in silliness, don’t let down your guard just yet; there’s plenty of action on the horizon. It’s been a few months since our last installment, so let’s look at where things stand heading into the final eight races.

Among the racers who are in the series and widely known to be unsigned for next year, Arrow McLaren’s Rossi leads the group, due to his experience and track record. Malukas is gaining ground, however, after his starring performances for Meyer Shank Racing at Laguna Seca and Mid-Ohio. Ed Carpenter Racing has the other well-known free agent in Rinus VeeKay, who went through the process last year, came close to leaving, but signed a one-year extension.

Prior to the return by Malukas, I had VeeKay right behind Rossi as the top talent left on the market, but from my calls across the paddock this week, Malukas has moved ahead of VeeKay, and in select instances, in front of Rossi.

Of the existing teams with seats in need of drivers in 2025, it’s Dale Coyne Racing with its Nos. 18 and 51 Hondas, Meyer Shank with the No. 66 Honda currently occupied by Malukas, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with the No. 45 that will be vacated by Arrow McLaren-bound Lundgaard.

Another big player in the silly season is PREMA Racing, which has two new entries on the way next year.

There are other teams that could also be open for business, and some have come as a surprise. Most in that category are pursuing racing’s rarest unicorn — fast and well-funded drivers — and we’ll get to those teams after we work through some of the outside drivers looking in.

Top of the list here is Pourchaire, whose brief foray with Arrow McLaren piqued the interest of numerous team owners. If there’s a downside for the Formula 2 champion, it’s how in many cases, the teams who would love to sign him also have budget shortfalls to resolve. As one team owner said, “Pourchaire, plus money, would be the perfect situation.”