Indy moves closer to MotoGP race

Hardcard Holdings, a company that specialises in motorcycle events, has been appointed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to offer advice and assistance in the bid.

IMS president Joie Chitwood said: "The Speedway has been looking at hosting a motorcycle event for some time, and we continue to be enthusiastic about the prospects.

"Hardcard will advise and consult with the Speedway as we continue to pursue and devise plans for this exciting opportunity.

"Hardcard's experience, contacts and accomplishments in motorcycle motorsports are unmatched, and we look forward to the value they bring to the IMS team."

Hardcard is led by motorcycle promoter John Farris and former Grand Prix rider Andrew Leisner, who was vice-president at Laguna Seca, which hosts America's only current MotoGP round.

Chitwood said recently that Indianapolis was in advanced talks with MotoGP organisers Dorna about a 2008 race date, with August pencilled in as a provisional month for the event.