Drivers happy with 2007 calendar

The championship held its first non-oval race in 2005, but after two years running on three road or street circuits, the number will increase to five for 2007.

Reigning champion Sam Hornish said: "With the addition of another road course, a street course, and the short oval at Iowa it shows that the series has diversity."

Hornish has tended to struggle more on the road and street courses than on ovals, but the American said that he especially enjoys the challenge of street circuits.

"I'm excited to go to Detroit because it is a street course, and I tend to enjoy those more because they leave so little room error," he added.

The addition of more non-oval races means that the calendar is more similar to former Champ Car schedules, which used to feature a wide variety of circuits.

Former Champ Car racer Tony Kanaan believes that this year's calendar is an improvement.

He said: "I come from a road course background. Coming up with another short oval and two more road courses is much better."

2005 rookie of the year Danica Patrick is also happy to see a more traditional American calendar.

"Back in the heyday of Indy Car racing, there was a little bit of everything," she said. "That's what we are getting back to, and it makes the series complete."

The season gets underway with a night race at the Homestead-Miami oval on March 24.