2003 calendar is revealed

The eighth season for the IRL will otherwise look the same as this year's save for a move of the Nazareth event from April to August in hope of finding warmer weather, and a move of the California Speedway event from April to September. The rumours of additions of a road course or two to the schedule - bolstered by IRL President and CEO Tony George as recently as last week - were put on hold for at least another season.

"Some of the League's events have developed traditional dates, and we are keeping most events on or near those weekends," said Ken Ungar, vice president of business affairs for the IRL. "Our goal was to build on a schedule, which was the product of years of steady growth. With a few minor tweaks, the 2003 schedule offers even more excitement and value for fans, promoters, sponsors and participants."

Brian Barnhart, the IRL's vice president of operations, said: "We've worked really hard on developing a schedule that maintains fan interest throughout the season while not creating unrealistic workloads on teams and officials. By achieving those goals with this schedule, the end result is better racing, and that's what we're here to do."


March 2, Homestead-Miami Speedway
March 23, Phoenix International Raceway
April 13, Twin Ring Motegi
May 25, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
June 7* Texas Motor Speedway
June 15, Pikes Peak International Raceway
June 28* Richmond International Raceway
July 6, Kansas Speedway
July 19*, Nashville Superspeedway
July 27, Michigan International Speedway
August 10, Gateway International Raceway
August 17, Kentucky Speedway
August 24, Nazareth Speedway
September 7, Chicagoland Speedway
September 21, California Speedway
October 12, Texas Motor Speedway
* night race