Question: With IndyCar still optimistic in adding an oval race or two in 2012, what oval tracks (currently not on the schedule) have the best chance to be included for 2012. Thanks (Keats, Indianapolis)
Answer: Milwaukee is the only one I can imagine. All of the other tracks that have strong ownership groups/promoters have told me they want to wait to see how the new car performs on ovals in 2012 before the move forward with a race in 2013. Bottom line: IndyCar is a year away, if at all, with places like Phoenix, Michigan and others. As for Milwaukee, Randy Bernard has said he needs a title sponsor for IndyCar to promote the race itself. The second option, which now seems a go, is landing a promoter. We’ll see what RB says about that today when we talk, but I’m led to believe a possible promoter exists. If all the financial hurdles can be cleared, there figures to be two possible dates: July 1 or Sept. 30. I’d lean toward July 1, but RB has been adamant that he has a season-ending event. In my opinion, it’s best to end the season on an oval, but we’ll have to see if RB has something else in mind.
Bottom line, it's a stretch to see IndyCar returning to the Milwaukee Mile in 2012, but there's still some folks out there that believe that it's a possibility. Stay tuned!