Night race to open 2007 season

The 1.5-mile oval has been the traditional season opener for the past five years, but this will be the first time a single seater series has opened its season with a night race.

"Homestead-Miami has always produced exciting races and close finishes," said the Indy Racing League's Chief Operating Officer Brian Barnhart.

"Miami continues to be an important market, especially with the number of IndyCar Series drivers that consider it home.

"We were the first open wheel series to race under the lights, and now we are the first to open our season under the lights."

Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray is pleased with the change of time for the race.

"The only thing more spectacular than watching these cars race at 200 mph is watching them race at night," he said.

"South Florida is famous for its fast-paced nightlife, so it was only fitting for the speedway to host this event under the lights."

Four of the past six IndyCar Series champions have won at Homestead-Miami on their way to sealing the driver's crown.

Sam Hornish Jr won the race in 2001 and 2002, while Scott Dixon maintained the trend a year later. Dan Wheldon also started his title-winning season in 2005 with a win at the track.