2011 Schedule Set to be Announced

The addition of Speedway Motorsports tracks, the exclusion of International Speedway Corporation's tracks, a double-header at Texas, and return to a pair of flat, one-mile ovals highlight the biggest changes for next year's schedule. Set to be officially announced on Friday, the 2011 Izod IndyCar Series will host 18 races at 17 tracks, with the breakdown being an even nine oval races and nine road/street races. MIlwaukee and New Hampshire are added to the slate, both being Open Wheel stalwarts through its history. Las Vegas, which hosted IRL and Champ Car races earlier within the past decade, is also reported to be in play for next year and might serve as the season finale. If not, then the rumor is the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California will serve as the host for the final event of the year. A street race in Baltimore, announced over the summer, and double-header in Texas are also set for 2011.

With those additions, several races had to removed. Those races were the ones held on the ISC owned tracks of Homestead-Miami, Kansas, Chicagoland, and Watkins Glen. It indicates a landmark statement by the Indy Racing League, which had originally partnered with ISC to use their tracks. However, with promotion lacking heavily for their races, the series had no choice but to remove them.

An official announcement is scheduled for Friday.

Anticipated 2011 Izod IndyCar Series Schedule

MARCH 27 – St. Pete (street circuit)
APRIL 10 – Birmingham, Ala. (road course)
APRIL 17 – Long Beach (street)
MAY 1 – Brazil (street)
MAY 29 – Indianapolis 500
JUNE 12 – Texas doubleheader (oval)
JUNE 19 – Milwaukee (oval)
JUNE 26 – Iowa (oval)
JULY 10 – Toronto (street)
JULY 24 – Edmonton (road course)
AUG. 7 – Mid-Ohio (road course)
AUG. 14 – Loudon (oval)
AUG. 28 – Sonoma (road course)
SEPT. 4 – Baltimore (street)
SEPT. 18 – Motegi, Japan (oval)
OCT. 2 – Kentucky (oval)
OCT. 16 – Las Vegas (oval)