IndyCar heading to Alabama for new race in 2010
Birmingham, AL (Sports Network) - IndyCar racing is coming to the "Heart of Dixie," starting in 2010.
Barber Motorsports Park and Indy Racing League officials announced Monday a three-year deal to bring the open-wheel circuit to Birmingham. The inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will run on April 11.
"This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the deep South, meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region," said Gene Hallman, president of Zoom Motorsports, which will promote the event.
Opened in 2003, the 2.38-mile circuit features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes. The series has conducted two test sessions there, with the most recent one held in March.
"It's a really interesting track," Dario Franchitti, the 2007 IndyCar champion, said. "It's a fabulous facility - the way it's built, the way it's kept.
The track is a real commitment track, a lot of really, really fast corners." According to Terry Angstadt, president of Indy Racing League's commercial division, discussions to bring IndyCar racing to Birmingham began nearly two years ago.
IRL officials are expected to announce the 2010 IndyCar schedule on Friday at Kentucky Speedway, the site of the upcoming race.
07/27 18:33:48 ET
