Summary Indianapolis Motor Speedway will play host to an IndyCar road race event next May.
INDIANAPOLIS (AFP) - Indianapolis Motor Speedway will play host to an IndyCar road race event next May ahead of the 98th Indianapolis 500, officials announced Thursday.
The board of the directors of the famed 2.5-mile (4km) oval met Thursday and approved the addition of the race over the Speedway s road course, which will have some configuration changes compared to its days hosting a Formula One event.
The race will be contested on the opening weekend of May to launch a month of festivities that will culminate with the series namesake oval race on May 25.
The road race will be the first IndyCar race on the course, which is set to undergo reconfiguration over the next few months to create greater passing opportunities and improved spectator vantage points.
"This event will bring even more energy and action to the month of May for fans and create another showcase for the diversity and excitement of the Speedway and the IndyCar Series," said track chief executive officer Mark Miles.
"The new road race will further enhance the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the premier motorsports destination in the world and direct an even brighter spotlight on the Indianapolis 500."
