The 2016 Verizon IndyCar schedule was announced today, with little surprise as to what new tracks were in and what old tracks were out. Let’s face, this coming season’s schedule has been the worst kept secret in recent memory for the leading American open wheel series, but it certainly points out a few changes that could come for the imminent future.
With the announcement today, the series is set to have sixteen races at fourteen tracks, including one doubleheader. Of those races, five will be ovals and the remaining eleven are on road and street courses. Joining the schedule will be the streets of Boston, Road America, and Phoenix International Raceway. Gone from the schedule then are NOLA Motorsports Park, Auto Club Speedway, and the Milwaukee Mile.
Getting really excited it about next year. Love the new schedule. @IndyCar @Team_Penske @verizon @HawkPerformance pic.twitter.com/XMYCW2RanH
— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) October 27, 2015
What could prove more important than these changes is the momentum for the future years of the IndyCar Series. Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., has openly discussed the fact there were discussion and negotiations with promoters for a race in Mexico City and with Gateway Motorsports Park. Considering as well the expansion of the 2016 IndyCar schedule by one month on each end, it would seem logical to think that both Gateway and Mexico City stand a strong chance to join the grid in 2017.
Also an adjustment for 2016 is there being only one race in the month of August, being Pocono. Certainly that large of an August gap will not be likely in years moving forward. Speculation would say that the gap was encouraged due to television partner NBC Sports being tied up for much of the month with three of their biggest sports clients – the Summer Olympic Games, NASCAR, and the start of the Premier League season. This would likely put IndyCar low on the pecking order for a station and strong time slot.
After momentum built from an exciting and dramatic end to the 2015 season, IndyCar continues to move forward, with 2016 and beyond looking strong on the schedule side.
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