Which ovals should IndyCar return to?

[Twehttam]

I've been thinking a lot about next season, as I know everyone has, and I'm really intrigued by the schedule and which tracks IndyCar should return to. I'd like to see a diverse option of layouts, but I understand and appreciate the oval to this series.

That being said, which ovals should return?

1.) Michigan
2.) Phoenix
3.) Gateway
4.) Atlanta
5.) Orlando
6.) Las Vegas
7.) Dover
8.) New Hampshire
9.) Charlotte

I imagine, even if all existing ovals are maintained, 2-3 of the above could be added back in.

Which are realistic additions? I don't know too much about past politics or management conflicts. Is there too much 'bad blood' to overcome on any?

Thoughts?

[Bruce Spencer]

New Hampshire for obvious reasons for me. When the second cup race goes away it might be a reality.

[Outlaw]

which ovals should return?
1.) Michigan
2.) Phoenix
3.) Gateway
4.) Atlanta
5.) Orlando
6.) Las Vegas
7.) Dover
8.) New Hampshire
9.) Charlotte

Yes, Add them to the current 11 ovals you have the 20 race season that Tony is talking about.

[SnakePitLounge]

New Hampshire for obvious reasons for me. When the second cup race goes away it might be a reality.

I agree with Bruce....New Hampshire is a market that Indy Car is not currentely in(New England) Plus it's now a SMI track and not the 1 1/2 cookie cutter ovals that clutter the oval schedule

[Mack Too]

Every one currently on the schedule, plus MIS. They should have at least one more oval race than road/street "event."MIS wasn't much of a show with 18-20 entries, 28 or more would look much better. Remember this is still the IRL IndyCar series, an oval track based series.

[fastmaster26]

1.) Michigan
2.) Phoenix
3.) Atlanta
4.) New Hampshire
5.) Charlotte
6.) Las Vegas

Nix Dover and Gateway, and Orlando wouldn't draw flies.

[happyscrappy-t]

PIR and Michigan would be on the top of my list, followed by New Hampshire and Gateway.

Perhaps I should just put "Bring back Phoenix" as a signature. I love that place.

[Mack Too]

AT the Homestead PC "a 20-event schedule" was mentioned, I expect that number is cast in stone. There are already 11 ovals on the schedule.

[I Love May]

Michigan is a no brainer. Would love to see Pocono but I doubt the track will ever make the necessary improvements.

[Twehttam]

AT the Homestead PC "a 20-event schedule" was mentioned, I expect that number is cast in stone. There are already 11 ovals on the schedule.

If we're set in stone for a 20-race schedule, are there any current ovals you would replace with those not currently used?

I've read a lot of positive comments from drivers and others about Phoenix. Why was that venue stopped?

[Dizz Fan]

All of them.

If this deal goes lop-sided to street parades...it will go the way of ccws..zzzzzz

[Cant_hit_apex]

We should go to those ovals that will actually promote the race.

[Z28]

All of them.

If this deal goes lop-sided to street parades...it will go the way of ccws..zzzzzz

I do believe that man has it right.

[irlracingfan]

I live in the West, and usually attend about 10 races on the current IndyCar schedule from Sonoma to Richmond... all of which are considerable distance. Sonoma is the closest and is still 650 miles away. I would like to see Fontana, Phoenix, Las Vegas, all of which are about 150 miles from me and Pikes Peak back on the schedule. I attended all of these races each year they were part of the IndyCar Series schedule and enjoyed them. Pikes Peak was always well-attended and Fontana was growing. Las Vegas is a good track and could draw well if promoted properly. Phoenix is in an area that should draw well if the race is promoted. The last year it was run, it was held on a Saturday, and was a virtual secret... so much so that people showed up on Sunday to see it only to be told it was run the preceding day. That should give you an idea of how poorly it was promoted locally. I get TV out of Phoenix and NEVER heard it mentioned until the day they qualified.
I think the IndyCar Series is ready to burst onto the scene and take its rightful place in the mainstream of society. The Series offers an exciting on-track product and with 'unification' comes an influx of new teams, drivers and venues which will bring positive publicity IF promoted properly by ALL those involved. Speaking of this.. I sat through part of ABC's NNS broadcast (a pretty sad affair IMO) at Bristol and NEVER heard a single word about the IRL's season-opening event which will be broadcast by ESPN/ABC. One would think ABC would have the good sense to promote their own programming!!!

[Twehttam]

Pike's Peak was shut down by ISC in 2005, but I do agree I'd like to see (personally) another Western oval. My leaning is toward Phoenix, as I'd prefer a shorter oval.