Series to hold test at Barber circuit

The test will mark the first time that the series has visited the circuit, which regularly hosts rounds of the Grand-Am series and the AMA Superbike championship.

2008 will be the fourth year that the series has run on road courses, and officials are keen to continue improving the performance of the cars, which were originally designed for oval racing.

"The series plans to use this test as a way to research and evaluate potential road course applications to our cars for next season, including enhanced steering and paddle shifters," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations for the IRL.

Barnhart added that the test was also a lot earlier than post-season activities have been in the past, and he was happy that the series was visiting a new venue, even if it is only for a test.

"This will allow our teams to conduct a post-season open test earlier than in recent years while giving our drivers extra seat time," he said.

"It is always exciting when we can bring our sport to a new market through off-season testing, especially one with has a rich storied history in motorsports."