IRL Silly Season 2007-8

Last updated October 17, 2007

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Welcome to the IRL Silly Season information and rumors page. Keep in mind as you read these the definition of the word "rumor": it is quite possible that some info that you see here today may turn out to be false tomorrow. All infomation here concerns the professional and career activities of IRL principals and participants; I do not publish rumors (even if confirmed) about anyone's personal life. I welcome tips and pointers to information, but I reserve the right to withhold any information if I think it is inaccurate or inapprorpiate. When I rely on a published report (which is more often than not the case), I will usually try to cite the source and the date.

How this page is organized: There are four sections for the different rumor subjects: teams, equipment makers, IRL rules areas, and tracks. Within each section, entries are in alphabetical order. Each entry is a single HTML paragraph. Each entry is marked with the last date it was updated (dates are in American month/date format; apologies to our European friends). Do a " find in page" and search for the double asterisk (**) to find the entries that have been updated the most recently.


The League

LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP []: No recent news.


Teams and Drivers

Each team entry gives the team name in ALL CAPS, and lists at a minimum the driver and primary sponsor. All current and rumored IRL teams are listed even if there have been no changes to that team recently. (Also listed in this section are notable unsigned drivers, under their own names in place of a team name.) The listing now includes Pro Series teams and drivers! Since some teams field cars in both series, I have not separated them into separate sections; they are all listed together alphabetically. If you are looking for info on a specific driver and don't know which team he/she drives for, use your browser's Find function to search for the last name. (Note that a driver who has been the subject of rumors may be mentioned in several places; I usually try to cross-reference these but I don't always catch them all.)

AFS RACING [9/9]: This team campaigned the Pro Series in 2007 with 2005 series champion Wade Cunningham. Several Indycar teams are looking at Cunningham for 2008, if he moves up, no word yet on who AFS will hire. Automatic Fire Sprinklers is, of course, the primary sponsor.

ANDERSEN RACING [9/23]: This team, owned by brothers Dan and John Andersen, fielded a two-car entry in 2007 for Andrew Prendeville and Joey Scarallo. However, Scarallo left the team after the Kentucky race, and was replaced by J.R. Hildebrand for the Infineon doubleheader. Hildebrand suffered a wrist injury in the first race at Infineon, and after attempting to drive in the second race, he had to retire. The team fielded only Prendeville for the final race of the season at Chicago. Of these three drivers, only Prendeville will return for the 2008 season. However, over the off-season, the team will be testing its two Star Mazda drivers, Johanathan Goring and Jonny Baker, in IPS cars; one or both of these drivers may compete in the IPS in 2008. With the off-season open testing period declared by the IRL, the team has announced the following test dates: at Homestead, on the oval, October 16-17; Sebring on October 22-23; back at Homestead, on the road course this time, on November 1, and back at Sebring on January 24-25. The team is continuing its working association with Rahal-Letterman for 2008.

**ANDRETTI-GREEN RACING [10/17]: Their 2007 entry consisted of series champion Dario Franchetti with primary sponsorship from Canadian Club, Tony Kanaan with sponsorship from 7-11, Marco Andretti with sponsorship from the New York Stock Exchange and Motorola, and Danica Patrick sponsored by Motorola and XM. Franchetti, who was to have driven in two more ALMS races for AGR after the end of the Indycar season, was released on October 2. The team recruited Vitor Meira to drive for them at the ALMS Petit Le Mans, leading to rumors that he was in contention for Franchtti's seat. However, Meira stated at the Barber test that he is remaining with Panther. Another rumor now says that Super Aguri will be steering its talented IPS driver Hideki Mutoh to this ride, and bringing a considerable amount of sponsorship. The status of Canadian Club remains up the in air; the company is apparently not sure that they want to take that brand to NASCAR with Franchetti since they already sponsor another NASCAR team with their Jim Beam brand. GR's other three drivers will all be back; all three of them drove at the Barber test. AGR announced on September 6 that 7-11 has re-upped for 2008.

APEX RACING [9/9]: This team fielded a two-car IPS entry in 2007, for drivers Mike Potekhen and team owner Ken Losch. No word yet on 2008 plans.

**TEAM CHEEVER [10/17]: Team owner and former IRL driver Eddie Cheever was not originally planning in competing in IRL competition in 2007, but mid-season he put together a deal to run his nephew, Richard Antinucci, in some IPS road course events. The team subsequently registered encouraging results including one victory. Antinucci has no oval experience, and the team had planned to field an entry for the final race of the season in Chicago, but this was abruptly scrubbed the week before the race. The team did a testing session at Miller Park in Utah in mid-September with good results, and rumor has it that Cheever is looking for funding to field Antinucci for the full IPS season in 2008. On October 9, the team tested Italian motorcycle racer Alex Pignone at Kentucky. Pignone is recovering from severe injuries suffered at Daytona four years ago, and apparently this was his first time at speed since then. Given that Pignone is 41 years old, the purpose of this test is not quite clear.

MICHAEL CRAWFORD MOTORSPORTS [9/9]: This is a team that fields IPS cars for funded drivers, and at various points during the 2007 IPS season they had up P.J. Abbott, Steve Ablondi, Doug Boyer, CR Crews, Richard Heistand, Shane Lewis, Ben Petter, and Marc Williams.

DREYER & REINBOLD RACING [10/1]: This is the team owned by the Indianapolis duo which owns a chain of car dealerships in the area, with retired driver Robbie Buhl as a partner. The team fielded two Indycar entries in 2007, with Sarah Fisher sponsored by AAMCO and Buddy Rice with a mix of sponsorship. It now appears that Fisher will probably not be back; she is said to have the AAMCO sponsorship in hand, and weighing the possibility of starting a new team with her new husband, team manager Andy O'Gara. D&R says that they are still interested in fielding two cars, either with Fisher or with another driver. Rice appeared in the A1GP series' season-opening race on September 30, finishing 13th (which may not look great, but it compares favorably with previous American A1GP efforts). D&R are said to be discussing a merger with the Team USA A1GP team -- apparently this is old news, but it got by me before.

**FERNANDEZ RACING [10/17]: The team owned by semi-retired driver Adrian Fernandez had intended to compete in 2007 with driver P.J. Chesson. They thought they had reached a deal for a primary sponsor, but they had to withdraw because the check never arrived. Chesson subsequently spent the season spotting and other duties for various teams, and finally picked up a ride with Roth Racing in the last race of the season at Chicagoland. A TF rumor states that at an October 13 social event, Fernandez stated that he is looking to re-enter Indycar series racing in 2008, with an Indy effort at least, and a full-season effort ideally. Apparently he had an opportunity to field a car with a ride buyer in 2007, but he wants to raise enough sponsorship on his own to be able to hire the driver he wants. He stated that the TEAM plan helps a bit.

A. J. FOYT ENTERPRISES [9/9]: For the first time in several years, the team looks to be stabilized with a signed (non-family) driver and a primary sponsor for an Indycar entry. Darren Manning and primary sponsor ABC Building Supply will both be back for 2008, and rumor has it that the team is looking to expand to two cars.

**GANASSI RACING [10/17]: The team ran the Indycar series in 2007 with Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon as the drivers, and Target on the sidepods of both cars. For the first time, they also fielded a Pro Series team with, originally, a two-car entry consisting of Chris Festa and former South American Formula 3 racer Pablo Perez. However, Perez received significant leg injuries in a nasty crash at Homestead (similar to Davey Hamilton's injuries), and it is not known if or when he will be able to race again. After that race, the IPS team dropped back to a one-car entry for Festa for the rest of the season. For 2008, Dixon and Target will definitely be back, and Wheldon told the Underground at Barber that he also will be back. On October 17, the team announced the signing of reigning IPS champion Alex Lloyd to a developmental deal. This will include an undetermined number of Indycar races, as well as some Grand Am races, and testing. It isn't known yet if Target will also sponsor Lloyd's ride. It's also unknown if Dario Francchetti, who has signed to drive for Ganassi's NASCAR team, will do any Indycar races with the team.

GUTHRIE RACING [9/23]: This team, owned by former Indycar driver Jim Guthrie, fielded IPS entries in 2007 for Tom Weiringa and Guthrie's son Sean. 2008 plans have not been announced yet. Sometime in October, Sean Guthrie is to test an Indycar at Chicago to obtain his Indycar license, possibly a prelude to attempting the 500 next year. The test will be conducted using a Panoz that belongs to Playa Del Racing.

KENN HARDLEY RACING [9/9]: This IPS team fielded Stephen Simpson in 2007. No word yet on 2008.

TEAM KMA [9/9]: This IPS team fielded one entry for Robbie Percorati in 2007. No word yet on 2008 plans.

TEAM MOORE RACING [9/9]: This team, new in 2007, planned a two-car IPS entry for Johnathan Klein and team co-owner Tom Wood. Funding difficulties with Klein's entry caused Klein to miss several races. No word yet on the team's 2008 plans.

**PANTHER RACING [10/17]: This longtime IRL team fielded a two-car entry in the Indycar series this year. Vitor Meira drove one car with Delphi sponsorship. The second car was fielded in conjunction with Super Aguri Racing, and had Kosuke Matsuura up with Panasonic sponsorship. Panther and Super Aguri also fieled an one-car IPS team for driver Hideki Mutoh (which included an Indycar race in the last race of the season at Chicago). For 2008, Aguri will put Mutoh in an Indycar, but it apparently won't be with Panther; rumor has it that Aguri Suzuka will be taking Mutoh and his money to Andretti-Green. No word on whether Panther will field an IPS team without Aguri's particpation. Also no word on Matsuura's plans. Meira will definitely be back; he said so at Barber on October 12. Much has been made of the fact that the car the team ran at Barber was mostly unpainted. Not to worry; Delphi will definitely be back. Apparently the primer job was in preparation for the car being painted with a new livery.

**PENSKE MOTORSPORTS [10/17]: This team continued to run its two-car Indycar entry in 2007, with Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish as the drivers. Marlboro remains as the sponsor even though their name can no longer appear on the cars, in line with the national tobacco settlement, hence the "Team Penske" logo on the sidepods. The latest on the Sam Hornish situation is that he has failed to qualify (under NASCAR's equivalent of the infamous 25/8 rule) for two of the five NASCAR Cup races he is scheduled to attempt over the end of the season. His departure to NASCAR no longer looks like a sure thing. If he does leave, Ryan Briscoe still appears to be first in line for the Indycar seat, although chatter on that front has been quiet recently. Questioned at Barber, Castroneves seemed to think that Hornish might be back. In his Dancing with the Stars side venture, Helio has survived into the fourth week so far.

PLAYA DEL RACING [9/23]: This IPS team fielded an entry in 2007 for driver Phil Giebler, plus occasional entries for A.J. Russell, Jimmy Kite, and Al Unser III. They also entered Giebler at Indy; he made the race and wound up the surprise Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. The team's 2008 plans appear to be similar: compete in the IPS series, plus one or two Indycar entries at Indy. So far, the only driver signed for 2008 is Unser, who was announced for the full season on September 7.

RAHAL LETTERMAN RACING [10/1]: The team cut back to a two-car Indycar entry in 2007, with Scott Sharp and sponsor Patron Spirits on one car. Jeff Simmons, who took over the Ethanol Industry Association ride in 2006 after the tragic death of Paul Dana, stayed with the team until he was dismissed and replaced by American road racer Ryan Hunter-Reay. There has been some confusion on the Sharp front, but the Underground is now assured by a reliable source that Sharp and Patron will both be back in Indycars for 2008. Sharp's father-in-law, Greg Pickett, does own an ALMS team, and Sharp will be doing some ALMS races, but this is on a non-interference basis re the Indycar schedule. It also appears that Ethanol and Hunter-Reay will be back for 2008.

ROTH RACING [9/9]: This team competed in two events in 2007. Owner/driver Marty Roth made the Indy 500 field for the first time in several years. However, the more significant event for this team occurred in the last race of the year in Chicago. Word is that Roth is looking to expand the team into a full-time Indycar team, with full sponsorship and a more experienced driver. Accordingly, the team fielded two cars at Chicago, one for Roth himself and one for driver PJ Chesson, who has beek seeking a ride all year.

**SAM SCHMIDT MOTORSPORTS [10/17]: Former IRL driver Sam Schmidt wound up fielding a four-car entry in the IPS in 2008. Alex Lloyd won the IPS championship for the team and sponsor Lucas Oil. Ryan Justice ran the full season until an abrupt and still-unexplained withdrawal prior to Chicago, where Travis Gregg stepped in. A third car had driver Logan Gomez up, with Isilon Systems the primary sponsor for Gomez and an associate for Lloyd. Mid-season, the team added a fourth entry for former stock car and stunt driver Leilani Munter. On October 17, the team released Lloyd to sign with the Ganassi Indycar team. Given that this seat is considered one of the plum rides in the IPS series, there should be significant competition for the spot.

SPEEDWORKS [9/12]: This IPS team fielded an entry in 2007 for Daniel Herrington, plus a second entry for Adam Andretti (younger brother of John) at Chicago. They announced on September 10 that they have signed Andretti for the full IPS season in 2008. Primary sponsors were announced as Brunton Vineyards, and Rev It Up, a sportswear company. Geno Brunton, the vineyard's owner, is also the executive producer of an upcoming reality show titled "All American Rookie" in which Adam will appear. The show will air on Fox; air dates have not been announced yet. The team's regular 2007 driver, Daniel Herrington, appears to be a free agent.

BRIAN STEWART RACING [9/9]: This IPS team fielded a two-car entry for drivers Bobby Wilson and Brad Jaeger in 2007. No word yet on 2008.

VISION RACING [9/9]: The team fielded a three-car entry in 2007, with Ed Carpenter, Tomas Sheckter, and Anthony Foyt. At Indy, Carpenter's car added Hitachi as primary sponsor for the rest of the 2007 season, and Scheckter's car had the Joost energy drink as primary sponsor all season. Rumor has it that the team will cut back in 2008 to a one-car entry for Carpenter, leaving Scheckter and Foyt available.

OTHER RUMORED TEAMS [9/12]: Several rumors concerning possible new teams. According to a TF post, Don Kay mentioned on his radio show this week that NBA team owner Mark Cuban may be interested in forming a team. Cuban is one of Helio Castroneves' fellow competitors on " Dancing With the Stars", so there may be a connection there. Another rumor concerns former IRL and current CCWS team owner Derrick Walker. The rumor says that he may return to the IRL as the team manager for the re-formed Luzco Dragon team, which would run a full season in 2008. There are also persistent rumors that Steve Horne, former owner of the Tasman team which competed in CART in the early 1990s, is looking to field an IRL team.

**OTHER DRIVERS SEEKING IRL RIDES [10/17]: Davey Hamilton, who capped his comeback from his 2003 injuries by running Indy in 2007, is rumored to be working on something. Apparently he still has the Hewlett-Packard sponsorship in hand, and the available funding might cover more than just Indy. Hamilton drove the Indy Racing Experience two-seater at Barber, and perhaps not coincidentally, the car turned up painted in full H-P livery.

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Chassis, Engine, and Tires Suppliers

DALLARA [9/9]: The variable-effort steering parts that have been used by AGR are available to all teams. It is not a power steering system; merely a rack and pinion set that varies the gear ratio as the wheel is turned.

**HONDA [10/17]: They are said to be working on two things. One is the possible return of multiple fuel maps. Since the beginning of the year, Honda has developed a knock sensor that works properly with the ethanol fuel; they have been waiting for the off-season to introduce this, so that they wouldn't have to convert the entire inventory in between races. The second innovation is an F1-style paddle shifter. This is being developed to reduce the instances of engine overrev caused by missed shifts. Scott Dixon tested the system at Barber, and was mostly encouraged by the results, although the system apparently does need more work to be tied into the engine control software.

FIRESTONE [ ]: No recent news.

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IRL Rules

CHASSIS [ ]: No recent news. Expect little if any change from the 2007 spec.

ENGINES [ ]: No recent news.

TIRES [ ]: No recent news.

**TEST, PRACTICE, QUALIFICATION AND RACE RULES [10/17]: The IRL has declared an open testing period for the IPS series over the winter. From now until the first IRL open test at Homestead in 2008, all Pro Series teams are permitted unlimited testing, at any available venue. This is the first time this privilege has ever been granted to the IPS teams. For the Indycars, two blocks of limited time have been granted: each entry will get two days of their choice between October 22 and December 19, and two more days from January 11 until February 20. There is also the possibility that additional open tests will be added between now and March.

PURSE AND PAYMENT PLANS [9/23]: Details of the new purse and payout plan are emerging. As summarized in an article by Anthony Schoettle in the Indianapolis Business Journal on September 22, the most startling detail is that traditional purses are being eliminated for all races except Indy. Instead, each race will have a guaranteed minimum payout for all full-time teams amounting to $1.3M over the full season. (That is significant as it comes close to covering the full-season engine lease cost.) In order for there to still be an incentive to race, there will be bonuses for the top five in each race, as well as the top five in the series championship. (The series champion will be guaranteed $1M.) For Indy, the purse is being increased substantially, with the winner guaranteed over $2M and last place receiving $300,000. The intent of the plan is that smaller teams will see a significant increase in their winnings, while the payouts will remain about the same for the top teams. Conventional wisdom says that the plan will be funded in part by the $10-15M that IMS is believed to be saving by replacing the USGP with the Moto GP.

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Tracks and Schedule

Those marked with an at-sign ('@') are definitely on the IRL schedule for 2008. For other tracks, the tag at the end gives the probability of that track being scheduled in 2008. Tracks marked with a '+' sign will also host an IPS race. Abbreviations for the most common track owning companies:

IMS
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp., the privately held company owned by the Hulman family (this includes Tony George).
ISC
International Speedway Corp., a division of NASCAR
SMI
Speedway Motorsports Inc., a publicly-owned company (you can buy stock in it) headed by Bruton Smith.
DDE
Dover Downs Entertainment, a publicly-owned company.

BELLE ISLE {Roger Penske}@+ [9/9]: The Penske organization revived the street circuit (and, by many reports, much of the surrounding neighborhood) of this onetime CART venue this year, and a successful Indycar event took place. The circuit will be back for 2008. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

**BIRMINGHAM/BARBER {George Barber family} [10/17]: The open test was conducted at this track on October 12, with fairly good results. About 2000 spectators turned out for this weekday test, surprising the track officials and the participants. Immediately the speculation began about the track possibly hosting an Indycar race. The Underground was present, and observed that some significant safety improvements would be needed. Much of the track is lined with steel guardrail, which will have to be replaced. Catch fencing and SAFER barrier will need to be installed in places, and the pit lane will probably need to be widened (it's only two lanes wide, including the pit stalls). Some drivers also thought that some of the turns may need to be made slower in order to provide more passing opportunities. Even so, the overall impression of the facility was favorable. Track spokespeople told the Underground that they think they can obtain significant corporate sponsorship and make the needed changes in time for a possible race in 2009. If it happens, a pre-Indy date seems most likely. 2008 race: no, 2009 race: possible.

CHICAGOLAND {Racing Associates}@+ [ ]: On the schedule since 2001. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

DAYTONA {ISC} [9/9]: There will apparently once again be an IRL open test using the Daytona road course this year. The track has made some changes to the course to improve safety for the Indycars. Rumors continue to swirl about if/when the IRL will hold a race here. There appear to be two possibilities: run the weekend of the Rolex 24 (the first weekend of Speedweeks), or on the Saturday before the Daytona 500. 2007 race: no, but test was conducted, 2008 race: probably the same.

**INDIANAPOLIS {IMS}@+ [10/17]: With the demise of the F1 race, and the announcement of the new Moto GP race to take its place, the road course is being revised to run counter-clockwise. A new section is being added in the south infield to allow the road course to bypass oval turn 1; this apparenty is the configuration that the bikes will use. With the changes, all other artifacts of the F1 race are being removed except for the F1 garages, which will likely remain. It is not known yet if the IPS series will again run on the road course as a support race to the Moto GP, or if it does, what configuration of the road course it will use. With the loss of the USGP, the Liberty Challenge IPS road course race is off of the 2008 schedule (the Freedom 100, run on the oval in May, remains). 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

INFINEON {SMI}@+ [ ]: This road course, currently the IRL's only event in the Southwest, returns for 2008. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

IOWA {U.S. Motorsports}@+ [9/29]: The Indycar series will conduct a technical test at this track October 3-4. The purpose of the test is to allow the IRL to test different wing and aero packages. The IRL is looking for a combination that will allow the cars to take better advantage of the track's progressive banking, and improve passing opportunities in the corners. Andretti-Green, Ganassi, and Penske have agreed to support the effort. Note that the intent is not to grant a free test date to these teams; during the test, they will only be able to make the changes recommended by the IRL technical staff, and all of the data from the test will be published. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

KANSAS CITY {ISC}@ [ ]: Remains on the schedule for 2008. The movement of the race from its prior mid-summer date to the end of April this year (to avoid the heat problems encountered at previous races here) appears to have been successful. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

KENTUCKY {Jerry Carroll}@+ [ ]: Remains on the schedule for 2008. The 2007 experiment of moving the race to Saturday evening was very successful, and attendance returned to the levels seen in the track's first two years on the IRL schedule. In 2008, the order of the races will likely be flip-flopped, abandoning the experimental scheduling of the IPS race after the Indycar race for a more traditional schedule. This would give the Indycar race a later start, improving the heat situation further for the fans, and putting the race into TV prime time. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

LOUISIANA {Jerry Lowrie} [9/13]: Gov. Blanco of Louisiana announced this effort on July 27. The developer is a California-based promoter and much of the funding is being fronted by bonds from the Louisiana Economic Development Agency. The site is in central Louisiana near the town of Kentwood. A one-mile oval is planned; no other specs were given. The announced construction schedule is very ambitious; the first event is scheduled for fall 2008; this despite the face that construction has apparently not begun yet.

MIAMI/HOMESTEAD {ISC}@+ [ ]: Remains on the schedule for 2008. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

**MID-OHIO {Truesports}@+ [10/17]: After its successful 2007 IRL debut, this road course remains on the schedule for 2008. The track will add an IPS doubleheader to take the place of the Liberty Challenge. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

MICHIGAN {ISC} [9/9]: The Indycar community was shocked when the track announced just before this year's race that MIS will not host an IRL race in 2008. The main motivation for this move seems to be that Michigan cannot obtain the date it wants; the IRL is in a bind because said date (last week in July) is the same week that NASCAR has assigned to IMS for the Brickyard 400, and IRL personnel have to support that race. Other considerations include the poor attendance the past two years, and the track now being in direct competition with Belle Isle for the area Indycar audience. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: no.

MILWAUKEE {Wisconsin State Fair Board}@+ [9/23]: On the schedule since 2004. The track announced on September 19 that the ABC Supply race sponsorship has been renewed for 2008. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

MOTEGI TWIN RING {Honda}@ [ ]: This track, currently the IRL's only venue outside the United States, has been on the Indycar schedule since 2003. There were some rumors earlier this year about this race moving to an earlier date, but right now it appears that it will remain on the third week of April for 2008. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

NASHVILLE {DDE}@+ [ ]: Remains on the schedule for 2008. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

NEW HAMPSHIRE {Bob Bahre} [9/13]: It's been a while since we had any news on this track that could be relevant to Indy racing. However, Jayski had several reports over September 9-13 that the track is for sale. The first report had Roush Fenway Racing eyeing the track. An interesting quote from Fenway Sports's Mike Dee implied that the organization would seek to add more events to the track's schedule if they purchased the track. If that were the case, then unlike the present ownership, Roush Fenway might be motivated to try an Indycar race and put promotional effort behind it. A second report had Bruton Smith stating that SMI would like to buy the facility, specifically for the purpose of taking one of its NASCAR Cup dates away to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. If NHIS were left with only one Cup event, then SMI might take another look at Indycar racing at this track. NHIS last hosted an Indycar event in 1998.

NEW JERSEY {NJ Motorsports} [9/23]: This ambitious effort is being built in central New Jersey, northwest of Atlantic City. It calls for hotels, shopping, not one but two road courses, karting, and other facilities. The intent is to support both club and pro racing. The project is being built in three phases, with the longer of the two road courses included in the first phase. This road course, of approximately two miles in length, is under construction now and is scheduled to be completed in 2008. The real item of interest for the IRL is the 3/4-mile oval, which is to be built in the third phase of the project. However, this is not scheduled to be complete until 2015. If the area appears to be a good market for Indycars, it is possible that a race could be scheduled to be run on the longer road course starting in 2009, moving to the oval when it is complete.

PHOENIX {ISC} [9/9]: This track has a long Indycar tradition. But it was dropped from the schedule due to poor attendance after the 2006 race. However, the IRL is talking to ISC about coming back, in order to once again reach the Pacific Southwest market. Questions about scheduling remain, as well as what to do about support events (which were lacking in 2006 and probably contributed to the poor attendance). The Copper World Classic was moved to November as a support event for the NASCAR race, so that is no longer an option. 2007 race: no, 2008 race: possible.

RICHMOND {ISC}@+ [ ]: On the schedule since 2001. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

**ROCKINGHAM {Andy Hillenburg}@+ [10/17]: This track, near Rockingham, NC, was a long-time NASCAR venue before being dropped from the schedule after its purchase by SMI several years ago. To my knowledge, no Indycar race of any kind has ever been held at this track. The reason it is being noted here is on October 3, former sprint and Indycar driver Andy Hillenburg purchased the track at auction (for a fraction of the property's appraised value). Hillenburg has definitely stated that he intends to promote major league races at the track. Although Indycars wasn't mentioned specifically, it is not outside the realm of possibility.

ST. PETERSBURG {Andretti-Green Promotions}@+ [ ]: On the schedule since 2005. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

TEXAS {SMI}@ [ ]: On the schedule since 1997. No recent news. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

TULARE {Bratton Group} [9/13]: This is an ambitious plan to build an entertainment and convention complex, including a speedway, in Tulare, CA. This town is in central inland California about halfway between Fresno and Bakersfield. Announced specs for the track call for a 1-mile D-oval with 24-degree banked, large-radius corners. The track would be 70 feet wide with asphalt paving. They have a Web site, but no specific schedule is given for construction, which evidently has not begun yet. 2008 race: no.

WATKINS GLEN {ISC} @+ [9/13]: On the schedule since 2005. The track announced on September 12 that construction is about to begin on a new media center. This will be built on the site of the existing media center, which will be demolished. No completion date was given in the press release. 2007 race: yes, 2008 race: yes.

SCHEDULE GENERAL [9/23]: The IRL announced on September 1 that all 2007 events except Michigan (which will be dropped) have been confirmed for 2008. The rumored 17th Western event turns out to have been a proposal to hold a race at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was never clear how this was actually going to work, and it has now fallen through. The IPS schedule will also remain the same except for the Liberty Challenge road-course doubleheader at Indy; see the Indy entry.

SUPPORT SERIES [ ]: The IRL has to be very happy with the substantial increase of interest in the IPS series this year. This could possibly lead to signing a new title sponsor for the series.

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Media

TELEVISION [ ]: The ABC/ESPN networks remain the IRL's television partner. No recent news.

RADIO [ ]: No recent news.

INTERNET [ ]: The IRL is gradually expanding its Internet race broadcast options. The interminable problems with the Web live timing and scoring have finally been solved, and a new Flash version is in the works. Live video streaming made progress this year; it was used for all of the practice and qualifying sessions, and was also used a couple of times for race broadcast when ESPN was delayed going on the air.

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