Since new ovals are pretty much out of the question

[DanielDeVore]

How about we add some distance to the oval races we have now? All oval races should at least be 300 miles.

[D. Heimgartner]

New ovals are not "out of the question." Iowa is a great example of a new oval. Furthermore, Indycar Series has the opportunity to develop relationships with already existing, non-ISC ovals such as Rockingham Speedway (USA), Loudon (SMI), Sanair (Canada), Lausitzring (GER).

[Jakester]

non-ISC ovals such as Rockingham Speedway (USA), Loudon (SMI), Sanair (Canada), Lausitzring (GER).

Loudon? maybe.

Sanair? Ain't gonna happen. Track is not suitable for ICS, not sure if track is even used for other than schools.

Rockingham? Almost abandoned, still needs SAFER and other improvements. Unsure if new owner can afford those improvements without a NASCAR cash cow race.

Lausitzring? No SAFER. Opposed to another non North America race.

[drdisque]

Sanair is still used for Stock Car races.

It's current state is that of an older regional track though. No luxury boxes, no fancy concessions, none of the stuff that makes real money.

[Mack Too]

RIR has increased the distance, Nashville needs to.

[Indy500fanatic]

Milwaukee should be 250...

[brickyard1911]

Rockingham? Almost abandoned, still needs SAFER and other improvements. Unsure if new owner can afford those improvements without a NASCAR cash cow race.

Not so fast. TF's own TDIndy500 just recently told me in a private message that he just visited Darlington and Rockingham while down south with his son. On Darlington his opinion was "what a ****hole! Very depressing. Rockingham is far from abandoned. On Rockingham his said "Wow, what a neat place. The place is just emaculate." While the SAFER barrier and expense is an issue for Andy Hillenburg and it probably is a long shot the IndyCars would ever run there, he has talked with TG.

[Indy500fanatic]

Not so fast. TF's own TDIndy500 just recently told me in a private message that he just visited Darlington and Rockingham while down south with his son. On Darlington his opinion was "what a ****hole! Very depressing. Rockingham is far from abandoned. On Rockingham his said "Wow, what a neat place. The place is just emaculate." While the SAFER barrier and expense is an issue for Andy Hillenburg and it probably is a long shot the IndyCars would ever run there, he has talked with TG.

Been to both of those places ( worked races at both) and my opinion is the same as TD's.
I loved The Rock.
Darlington is not the nicest...

[TDIndy500]

Rockingham is far from abandoned. On Rockingham his said "Wow, what a neat place. The place is just emaculate." While the SAFER barrier and expense is an issue for Andy Hillenburg and it probably is a long shot the IndyCars would ever run there, he has talked with TG.

The track is in the middle of nowhere but has been very well maintained. It kind of reminds you of Michigan in regards to location. The backstretch seating is completely go but all the seating is still there into Turn One. Current seating capacity is 40000 - 50000. One look at the track and you can imagine Indy Cars running on its banks.

A race at this track would make a great spring race.

TD

[Jakester]

Sanair is still used for Stock Car races.

Maybe so, but it's not reflected in the track's event schedule

http://www.sanairracing.net/z_eng/schedule.htm

http://www.sanairracing.net/z_eng/events.htm

Don't get me wrong on Rockingham. From a racetrack viewpoint, I think it'd be an interesting oval track for ICS.

But I don't think it's economically feasible. Given the investment that would be required, plus a ~$1MM sanctioning fee and expected gate, I don't think the new owner could make a go of it...without also having a Truck or Nationwide race at the track.

[Cosworth]

New ovals are not "out of the question." Iowa is a great example of a new oval. Furthermore, Indycar Series has the opportunity to develop relationships with already existing, non-ISC ovals such as Rockingham Speedway (USA), Loudon (SMI), Sanair (Canada), Lausitzring (GER).

Sanair......holds maybe 3000, there isn't a oval track in Canada holding more than 3-5000. Forgett ICS running a oval in Canada.

[indyracefan]

...I'm betting that no new or former oval races are added to the IndyCar schedule in the next two years.

[brickyard1911]

The track is in the middle of nowhere but has been very well maintained. It kind of reminds you of Michigan in regards to location. The backstretch seating is completely go but all the seating is still there into Turn One. Current seating capacity is 40000 - 50000. One look at the track and you can imagine Indy Cars running on its banks.

A race at this track would make a great spring race.

TD

TD, what better way to spend some time in Spring................attend a race at The Rock, then up the road to Pinehurst and hit the links.

[brickyard1911]

Sanair......holds maybe 3000, there isn't a oval track in Canada holding more than 3-5000. Forgett ICS running a oval in Canada.

I can't hear the word Sanair without visions of Rick Mears getting his feet mangled.

[nm]

The track is in the middle of nowhere but has been very well maintained. It kind of reminds you of Michigan in regards to location. The backstretch seating is completely go but all the seating is still there into Turn One. Current seating capacity is 40000 - 50000. One look at the track and you can imagine Indy Cars running on its banks.

A race at this track would make a great spring race.

TD

Hillenburg has talked to the IRL. SAFR wall would have to be constructed. He is also concerned about the sanction fee. The seating capacity you gave is higher than I have been told.

ARCA will have a race there soon. You would not believe how many cars are expected to try to qualify.

Also, Hillenburg does not own the drag strip. I had thought he did.