F1 Fanatic

IndyCar have confirmed their calendar for next year.

Among the changes are the well-publicised axeing of the Las Vegas race. Kentucky and Motegi have also gone. So have Milwaukee and New Hampshire which I think is a real shame – I’ve always enjoyed IndyCar racing on one-mile ovals

I’m dubious about the new street track in China, not least because it’s over 6km long which seems excessive.

Fontana (Auto Club Speedway) and Detroit both return which are good to see.

Texas will go back to being a 228-lap race instead of the separate 114-lap races we had this year with its dreadful grid lottery.

With seven street tracks and four road courses (including Edmonton) that leaves just four ovals on the 15-race schedule.

March 25: Streets of St. Petersburg (1.8-mile street course)
April 1: Barber Motorsports Park (2.3-mile road course)
April 15: Streets of Long Beach (1.968-mile street course)
April 29: Streets of Sao Paulo (2.536-mile street course)
May 27: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2.5-mile oval)
June 3: Raceway at Belle Isle Park (2.1-mile street course)
June 9: Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval)
June 23: Iowa Speedway (.875-mile oval)
July 8: Streets of Toronto (1.755-mile street course)
July 22: Edmonton City Centre Airport (1.973-mile airport course)
Aug. 5: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.258-mile road course)
Aug. 19: Streets of Qingdao, China (3.87-mile street course)
Aug. 26: Infineon Raceway (2.303-mile road course)
Sept. 2: Streets of Baltimore (2-mile street course)
Sept. 15: Auto Club Speedway (2-mile oval)

http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50961-new-events-highlight-2012-schedule/

Detroit was very tight and twisty, but I have a fondness for the course. It might be because I got to go to the CART race in ’99 and it was a great experience. But still, I consider it one of the more classic tracks and it’s good to see it back!

@ajokay In F1 I’d certainly like to see more variety. But here my concerns are more practical: street circuits are more difficult to organise races at then purpose-built venues and the longer they are the harder they are to run.

Also spectators at street circuits can generally see much less of the track because of all the buildings. Therefore a short lap is preferable so they can see more of the action.

But I must admit I’m down on the whole idea of IndyCar racing in China. Nothing against the Chinese, I’m just concerned it won’t work out. After all, several series have tried and failed to hold races in China. I hope whoever is footing the bill is paying them a lot of money… and well in advance.

I would much prefer Milwaukee – one more oval on the calendar. Apparently it’s 50/50 if it’s coming back: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/136793863.html

The scheduling is a bit of a worry though.

Rovals? Possible though I don’t think so. Most of the major Rovals in the United States are part of Major NASCAR tracks who I feel are beginning to see Indycar as a threat. Same reason why Indycar won’t go back to Watkins Glen anytime soon. ISC who are under the control of the same people who run NASCAR don’t want Indycar there as it may take viewers away from NASCAR whose viewership has been falling. Laguna Seca I don’t see happening because there are already two races in California which means a third could make all three unprofitable if they start fighting for attendees. I don’t see a reason why Sebring couldn’t be an option though I can’t imagine Indycar hasn’t already considered it.

Wow, I forgot about the plans for a Fort Lauderdale race. As much as I hate most of the new street circuits Indycar has created, this would be the closest race to me since Homestead left the calendar. I just hope they focus on the racing, not just the visual aspect of the track.

I think the most cost effective option would be to do it at the Ft Lauderdale Intl. Airport. It’s not a major airport (major like MIA), and the design has a perfect spot for a pit lane already. Not to mention placing grandstands at an airport is easier than on a street circuit, and I think that even though logistically speaking it is harder to do, its less expensive to shut down half and airport than it is to shut down a quarter of a city. That being said, its still very difficult to do, but it would be easier to make the airport usable as a track than the city.

Here is my idea for the Airport track:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5242985

Looks like Milwaukee and a street race in Fort Lauterdale will be added to the schedule.

I’ve never followed IndyCar before but I will be doing so this year. Seems a good time, given the new car design and all.