2008 Indy Car Series Season - Schedule Development

Schedule Development

• The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will return through at least 2013. This was announced April 6, 2008.
• The Milwaukee Mile will host the race the weekend immediately following the Indy 500 through at least 2009.
• Michigan International Speedway has been removed from the schedule for 2008.
• Iowa Speedway has been renewed through 2009.
• Texas Motor Speedway signed a two-year contract extension through 2009.
• Detroit will be held August 31, 2008, part of Labor Day weekend along with ALMS.
• Mid-Ohio signed a three-year deal through 2009.
• The following were reported possibilities for schedule expansion in 2008. However, none were part of the official announcement on September 19,.
  • Following a feasibility test in September 2006, and an open test on January 31, – February 1, 2007, the IndyCar Series is still considering Daytona International Speedway.
  • The IndyCar Series is exploring the possibility of holding new races at Biloxi, Sepang, Palm Springs, and Denver.
  • A possible event has been considered at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. The track was auctioned off on October 2, 2007, and was purchased by former Indy 500 starter Andy Hillenburg, who promptly reopened the track that held an ARCA race May 4, 2008.
  • A return to Phoenix is under consideration. It appears questionable for 2009.
  • A replacement for Michigan was to be announced by the league to maintain a 17-race schedule. League officials had confirmed only that it would be in the United States, and would be a new venue in California. Rumors suggested a street circuit at Dodger Stadium. It never came to fruition.
  • On October 12, 2007, the IndyCar Series conducted an open test at Barber Motorsports Park. Track officials indicated they are exploring a race for 2009.