Milwaukee returns to traditional date

The race will take place just one week after the IRL's showpiece event, to take place on June 3, 2007, resurrecting a tradition that began in 1946.

The deal marks a 'multi-year' extension to the contract for the IRL to run a race at the track, which rival series Champ Car is unlikely to be visiting next year.

"The Milwaukee Mile and Indy-style racing have had a long and storied history," IRL president Brian Barnhart said.

"For the last three years, we've been able to showcase our sport to the race fans in Wisconsin, and now we can complete the circle by reuniting the cars and drivers of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race with the traditional post-Indianapolis 500 date at Milwaukee."

Originally a privately owned horse-racing track, the symmetrical oval has been in existence since at least 1876 and played host to automobile races since 1903, making it one of the oldest racetracks in continuous use.

It is the fourth date to be confirmed for next year's IndyCar schedule. Officials have already announced that the series will run on the streets of St Petersburg on April 1 and at the new Iowa speedway on June 24. The Indy 500 will be on May 27.