The Indy Racing League announced the 2010 IndyCar Series schedule which is highlighted by first-time events in Brazil and Birmingham, Ala. The schedule features eight oval races, four permanent road courses and five temporary circuits, all being broadcast on VERSUS or ESPN on ABC, including two primetime events.
"We feel the 2010 schedule strikes a fair balance between our three major disciplines - ovals, road course and temporary circuits - while taking us into key markets in the U.S. as well as abroad for our major partners," said Angstadt. "We continue to build on the solid foundation of a schedule we created last year in the wake of unification with the goal of maintaining consistent and long-term dates for our track and fans."
"We couldn't be more pleased with the diversity of the schedule as it will help us maintain a championship tradition that has been exciting for both competitors and fans," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the Indy Racing League. "The 2010 schedule keeps in-line with our goal to create a championship that requires drivers and teams to master a variety of tracks over the course of the season, and hopefully once again see our title battle come down to the final race of the year."
The season opener will be contested March 14 on a series-designed circuit in Brazil, the specific location of which will be announced at a later date. Brazil has hosted Indy car racing as recently as 2000 but next season's event marks the first IndyCar Series race in South America.
"While our primary focus continues to be building the sport of IndyCar Series domestically, the race in Brazil affords us a unique opportunity to visit a country that has a huge passion for open-wheel racing." said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "With strong support from our major partner APEX-Brasil, a significant television package from TV Bandeirantes, a large number of drivers from the country and the opportunity for a unique course, it makes sense from both a business and competition standpoint."
The temporary street course in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 28 will be the U.S. opener for the second year in a row. That event will be followed by the first IndyCar Series race at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama April 11.
"This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the Deep South, meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region. Plus, having the automotive world focus on our state enables us to highlight our growing automotive industry," said Gene Hallman, President of Zoom Motorsports, the track's promoter.
The Indianapolis 500, in the middle of Indianapolis Motor Speedway's three-year Centennial Era, will be run May 30, preceded by three weeks of practice and qualifications. Pole Day is May 15. Texas Motor Speedway will be the first race following the Indianapolis 500, racing under the lights on June 5.
For the second year in a row, the season finale will be held on the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 2.
