[Avon Open Wheel fan]

It appears that Kansas Speedway is in question for next year. With Kentucky also not on the schedule yet who knows what next year will looks like for oval racing.

This is from the Kansas City Star.

IRL’s return to Kansas in doubt
Kansas Speedway may have gained a second NASCAR Sprint Cup date for 2011, but it’s looking more and more unlikely that the IndyCar Series will return.

The Indy Racing League is expected to announce its 2011 schedule within a week, but with NASCAR occupying dates at Kansas Speedway next June 4-5 and Oct. 8-9, the only available window for Indy cars would be a night race in late July or in August.

Kansas Speedway president Pat Warren said he is still awaiting word from the IRL, which has been part of the track’s schedule since the facility opened in 2001.

“If we knew for sure we were going to have it, we’d know by now,” Warren said. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t. … a lot of things can change in racing really fast.”

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/25...#ixzz0xpiZioz9

Kentucky will be on there as Bruton Smith and his group are again embracing the IRL while at the same time the folks down Daytona way are turning away.

[Mud Packer]

Originally Posted by Avon Open Wheel fan It appears that Kansas Speedway is in question for next year. With Kentucky also not on the schedule yet who knows what next year will looks like for oval racing. This is from the Kansas City Star. IRL’s return to Kansas in doubt Kansas Speedway may have gained a second NASCAR Sprint Cup date for 2011, but it’s looking more and more unlikely that the IndyCar Series will return. The Indy Racing League is expected to announce its 2011 schedule within a week, but with NASCAR occupying dates at Kansas Speedway next June 4-5 and Oct. 8-9, the only available window for Indy cars would be a night race in late July or in August. Kansas Speedway president Pat Warren said he is still awaiting word from the IRL, which has been part of the track’s schedule since the facility opened in 2001. “If we knew for sure we were going to have it, we’d know by now,” Warren said. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t. … a lot of things can change in racing really fast.” Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/25...#ixzz0xpiZioz9

I read earlier this week that if Fontana doesn't develop a date for IndyCar, then ISC wouldn't have a track on the schedule. Chicago is gone, Kansas is toast, Michigan is history, Watkins Glen the same with Homestead-Miami all but gone as well. The schedule will be interesting to see for sure.

[ThePurple73]

They also quit racing at Nashville. It was a sell out every year with huge crowds. Nashville had a very racy oval and the people really loved it. It introduced Indycars to a lot of nascar regulars, they were really impressed.

[ClaytonYeley]

This stuff is making me nervous. So far it looks like the IRL has lost at least 3 ovals and only adding 1. I can't blame the people in charge of the IRL because it's ISC that has no interest in helping the series. Which is why they need to go to as many Smith tracks as they can (Las Vegas would be a great place to end the season).

They need to do a better job of working out a good date for the Ky race. The track will be empty Labor day weekend because it's on the same day as the Kentucky-Louisville football game. As much as I like football I will be at the Speedway Sat then to Haubstadt Sunday.

I like this Bernard guy and I think he gets it. But I hope he isn't reading trackforum. I feel like all the CART guys took over the board with there pro road racing opinions. I think that CART is a perfect example of why an only road racing series can't thrive in the States. If oval racing is so easy why is Will Power winless?

[ThrottleHead]

If they lose more ovals then they will lose my interest.... All but Indy. Half ovals and half roadcourses is plenty. If it tilts to more roadcourses then its CART just rebadged. Well, owners don't call the shots here.... Or do they behind the scenes?!?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Vertigo]

Just back from the Chicago race. First time for me. 470 miles roundtrip Bloomington to Joilet but well worth it. 29 cars, perfect weather and I too heard Chicago was dropping off the schedule. Too bad, I'd go every year after seeing tonight's race.

[ClaytonYeley]

Originally Posted by Vertigo Just back from the Chicago race. First time for me. 470 miles roundtrip Bloomington to Joilet but well worth it. 29 cars, perfect weather and I too heard Chicago was dropping off the schedule. Too bad, I'd go every year after seeing tonight's race.

It looked like an amazing race. Ed, Sarah, and Marco were 3 wide for second for like 15 laps. Just wish the panther team would have won it. Hope the Ky race is like that.

[Puppy]

Originally Posted by ClaytonYeley If oval racing is so easy why is Will Power winless?

If short oval racing makes drivers so great, why do Sarah and Ed absoulutely struggle on road courses?
Someone else's comment about the "wine and cheese crowd" concerning Shane Hmiel.... Have you guys ever seen an interview with Helio or Kannan? Dario or Dixon? THese guys are just as cool as any American drivers, and just as talented. But I dont think they
should be dismissed because they didnt grow up on dirt tracks, or have funny accents.....
If true open wheel fans want to help "Indy" and the IRL, maybe they should get behind it instead of constantly bashing it and the current crop of "Wine and Cheesers"....
This comes from a midget /sprint car driver.....
I'd like to see half ovals and half road courses and I'd like to see a couple of short trackers make it to the Indy Lights every year to show thier stuff as much as everybody else.
AS far as the $$$ thing, maybe we should all support more IRL races instead of NAPCAR races so the sponsors will come back, and the teams can hire the drivers they want instead of taking the one that bring his/her own sponsor....(Which isn't always a bad thing, some are just better at marketing themseleves than others)

[miledirt]

This series desperately needs more American drivers and tracks like Chicago on the schedule, otherwise the 0.8 ratings will only continue to decline. That Sonoma race was an absolute snoozer.... the pole sitter was never challenged, led start to finish with zero passing. That is not going to build a series.