Series unveils 2008 calendar

The schedule is very similar to this year's although it will feature one less oval, as Michigan will not host an open wheel race next year.

Series bosses have decided to keep the condensed format that they have used for the past two years. The season will start at the end of March, and finish in early September.

The Homestead Miami oval will hold the season opener for the seventh year in succession, and for the second year running it will be a night race.

The season will finish at Chicagoland for the third year running, while the Indianapolis 500 will be held on May 25.

"We look ahead to the 2008 season knowing that the IndyCar Series offers the most diverse schedule in all of motorsports," said Brian Barnhart, president of the competition and operations division for the Indy Racing League.

"Our schedule demands the ability of both drivers and teams to master a variety of venues and the challenges each one brings with the end result being a true champion."

Less than one month ago teams were told that they should budget for 17 events in 2008, but no mention was made of a new event when the calendar was released.

March 29      Homestead
April 6       St. Petersburg
April 19      Twin Ring Motegi
April 27      Kansas Speedway
May 25        Indianapolis Motor Speedway
June 1        The Milwaukee Mile
June 7        Texas Motor Speedway
June 22       Iowa Speedway
June 28       Richmond International Raceway
July 6        Watkins Glen International
July 12       Nashville Superspeedway
July 20       Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
August 9      Kentucky Speedway
August 24     Infineon Raceway
August 31     The Raceway at Belle Isle Park
September 7   Chicagoland Speedway