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Michigan open to IndyCar return

Michigan International Speedway president Roger Curtis has hinted that the unification of the IRL IndyCar Series and the Champ Car World Series could be the catalyst for open-wheel racing to return to the circuit

The track was unable to agree terms with the Indy Racing League for 2008, and therefore lacks an open-wheel event for the first time in its 40-year history.

Michigan's departure from the calendar was a major disappointment to fans, as the ultra-fast superspeedway has played host to some of the most spectacular races in Champ Car and IndyCar history since it opened in October 1968.

But Curtis welcomed the merger announcement and said the door was open for IndyCars to return to Michigan after 2008.

"It's fitting that during Michigan International Speedway's 40th anniversary season the country will finally have one open-wheel series to enjoy," said Curtis. "I hope that this new era for open-wheel racing will find a suitable fit among the country's tracks, both historic and new.

"Though we are focused on our NASCAR events for this season, we are always looking for viable business options for the future at Michigan International Speedway and the state of Michigan.

"We would certainly talk to any race sanctioning body that is interested in us hosting an event at our speedway if the date and racing series are viable business options for us."

Curtis also paid tribute to the IRL and Champ Car owners' efforts to finally end US single-seater racing's 12-year civil war.

"I commend the hard work and dedication that it must have taken to put together all the moving parts that make up the agreement in principle," he said. "As a race fan and a track promoter, I applaud everyone involved."

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