Kansas and Watkins Glen confirmed

The races at Kansas Speedway and Watkins Glen have both had date changes, with the oval race moving to April 29, becoming an extra event prior to the Indianapolis 500.

The change from its regular July date was requested by officials from the speedway, as searing temperatures in recent years have kept crowds away.

"Our race fans come first," said Jeff Boerger, president of Kansas Speedway. "They've really stuck with us over the past six years, but moving this race weekend to the springtime will make the weekend cooler for fans, the drivers, the media and the staff."

Kansas has hosted events since 2001, and three of the closest finishes in series history have occurred at the 1.5-mile oval.

Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer of the Indy Racing League, said: "We are pleased to help Jeff and his staff respond to their fan base's desire for a race offering cooler temperatures.

"Putting Kansas right before the Indianapolis 500 allows an already successful event to grow even more in stature while offering the series a great platform heading into the month of May."

So far the street race at St Petersburg is the only other event confirmed prior to the Indy 500, but Barnhart's comments suggest that at least two more events will be added in March or April.

Recently, oval races at Homestead-Miami and Motegi in Japan have appeared early in the season.

Watkins Glen will have its third different date in as many years, as it takes the date previously occupied by Kansas, on July 8.