Road Racing In The IRL
Written by George Katinger · August 1, 2004
With the addition of Watkins Glen and Infineon Raceway to the 2005 schedule, the IRL fires another (and potentially fatal) shot at the Champ Car series.
IndyRacing.com: Two Road Course Events Highlight ‘05 Schedule
speedtv.com: Watkins Glen and Infineon Raceway Set for IRL Races
With two definite road courses on the schedule and the possibility of Portland and other road or street venues joining the series, the IRL is in position to finally unify open wheel racing in America. OWRS will either concede operational control and join the IRL on Tony George’s terms, or face a continuing cash draining debilitating and needless competition with their organizational adversary.
Not to mention the possibility of other teams jumping ship and joining up with their nemesis. If Penske, Ganassi and Rahal saw the light of day, and get to run the Indy 500, why shouldn’t other teams? The recent public spilt in Newman-Haas racing is an indication that the end is closer than most people think. Especially when you consider that OWRS management runs three teams and seven cars just to keep the series viable.
OWRS will either get on board, or continue to loose teams and fan interest and be out of business within three years. Looks like you win, Tony!
2005 IRL Schedule
March 6: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, 1 1/2-mile oval
March 19*: Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, 1-mile oval
April 30*: Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi, Japan, 1 1/2-mile oval
May 29: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, 2 1/2-mile oval
June 11*: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, 1 1/2-mile oval
June 25*: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, 3/4-mile oval
July 3: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, 1 1/2-mile tri-oval
July 16*: Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, 1 1/3-mile oval
July 24: The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, 1-mile oval
July 31: Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, 2-mile oval
Aug. 14: Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, 1 1/2-mile oval
Aug. 21: Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, 1-mile oval
Aug. 28: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course
Sept. 11: Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, 1 1/2-mile D-shaped tri-oval
Sept. 25: Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, 11-turn, 3.4-mile road course
Oct. 16: California Speedway, Fontana, 2-mile D-shaped oval
Schedule subject to change;
* Saturday race
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