Well, this sucks.
Racing fans will flock to the Michigan International Speedway for two weekends in 2008. But there is no IndyCar Series race scheduled in Brooklyn next year.
“Since its inaugural running in 2002, Michigan International Speedway, the state of Michigan, city of Jackson and other local communities made a major commitment to growing the IndyCar Series event,” MIS president Roger Curtis said in a statement.
“I had hoped that we’d be able to reach an agreement with the IRL for 2008 given our historical investment in open-wheel racing that dates back four decades. We will focus all of our efforts on elevating our remaining marquee events, including providing our fans with a first-class and memorable race day experience," he said. (MORE from the Detroit Free Press)
UPDATE: Curt Cavin is confirming that MIS is off the schedule for next year, and TrackSide Online is confirming that it sucks.
This completely sucks! Michigan provides some of the best high-speed racing in the IRL schedule. Most drivers love the place because it's so wide and so fast, and usually has really close finishes. I look forward to going to this race every year - I guess this year will be my last.
Read more on Curt's Ask The Expert blog about this. He made some good points.
And it sounds like he hopes to pass along the displeasure of the fans to the IRL.
That's three ovals lost in three years. It's almost a trend. :(
I remember the first time IRL raced at Michigan in 2002. Sarah Fisher kept up with the boys, three-wide for most of the race. To date, it was the best, most exciting event -- in any series -- that I have ever seen. MIS will be missed. Shame on you, IRL, for forgetting your fans who love high-speed ovals!