IRL changes Texas, Motegi 2010 dates

Motegi, traditionally a Saturday race, will host the 2010 event on Sunday, September 19th, in order to take advantage of a national holiday in Japan the next day; while the race at Texas Motor Speedway will take place a week sooner than originally scheduled, in order to maintain the tradition of IndyCar and NASCAR Trucks doubleheader weekend.

"We worked with our promoter partners to ensure they had race dates that fit their needs and worked for the series as well," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the IRL.

"Both Texas Motor Speedway and Twin Ring Motegi came to us in recent weeks looking to make adjustments based on various factors and we were happy to work with them to make the appropriate changes."

Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage added: "I have always been a proponent of that off week between Indy and us, but we hope the back-to-back races create even more momentum for the IndyCar Series and Texas Motor Speedway.

"It was important for us to keep this combination weekend together because it has been a tradition at Texas Motor Speedway since we opened in 1997. We looked at a variety of options, but felt this was the best for our fans and we are appreciative of the IRL's flexibility."

Additionally, IRL confirmed the race at Kentucky Speedway will be held on Saturday night, on September 4th.

"We think we can take this race and make it even better, so we were happy the holiday weekend date was available," said Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger. "We're thrilled with the history we've had with the IndyCar Series and next season will be no different as our event begins the closing three-race stretch of the season.

"With the investment we've made and will make in amenities such as camping, we think our event will make an excellent destination weekend."