INDYCAR Reveals 2015 Schedule

The Verizon IndyCar Series revealed its 17-race 2015 schedule on Thursday morning. Two brand new venues will highlight the schedule that features six ovals, six road courses and four temporary street courses. 14 markets from the 2014 season will return in 2015, however one of the most noteworthy changes is the season finale moving to Sonoma Raceway on Aug. 30.

“The Verizon IndyCar Series calendar represents another step forward in our strategy to grow the series,” Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said in the release from INDYCAR. “There were several factors that led to the positive momentum we experienced in 2014 and we will continue to execute on those initiatives – continuity in our broadcast schedule, strategic growth of our schedule and improvements to how we promote our events. The continued support from our television partners at ABC and NBCSN, and the ongoing collaboration with promoters, teams and sponsor partners gives us a lot of confidence about our future.”

The season will kick off on March 8 at the Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Brazil for IndyCar’s first visit to the circuit and first Indy race in Brazil since 2013. 

“It’s great to see the Verizon IndyCar Series going back to Brazil and expanding internationally,” Andretti Autosport team owner Michael Andretti said. “Having a presence outside of the U.S. is important for the health of the series and a necessary part of growing the visibility and awareness opportunities in our industry.”

The IndyCar Series will make its debut also at New Orleans Motorsports Park on April 12 and will return to familiar venues such as St.Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park.

The August 30th race at Sonoma Raceway will mark the first time in six years that an Indy Car championship will be decided on a road course with the last time being in Mexico City in 2007.

“Sonoma has always been a great circuit for the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said Scott Dixon, a three-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner. “People always ask what my favorite track is and I often say ‘the last one I won at’ so it’s perfect for me and Team Target. It’s a very technical and challenging track and the site of the biggest Target weekend each season from a partnership perspective.”

The Indianapolis 500 returns to its familiar Memorial Day slot preceded by the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9.  Pocono Raceway will return to the circuit on Aug. 23 at the end of the summer swing on the schedule.

“Returning to Pocono in 2015 is great news,” said Tony Kanaan, 2004 Verizon IndyCar Series champion and former Indianapolis 500 winner. “The ‘Tricky Triangle’ is a very challenging racetrack for us and it provides great racing and excitement for the fans. Continuity is the key word to rebuild our fan base for that region and IndyCar and Pocono are working very hard and thankfully making it happen. I’m obviously happy to be able to return in 2015 and finish the strong race we had in 2014.”

2015 Verizon IndyCar Series Schedule

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqbYjNB-3Nw

Schedule subject to change

About the author

Justin Tucker

Justin starts his second year with the Frontstretch in 2014, responsible for Sprint Cup news in our e-newsletter twice a week. Also a Frontstretch Power Rankings contributor, he acts as “super sub” filling in for various columns throughout the season. He resides out in Missouri.

• Justin Tucker

  https://frontstretch.com/author/justin/

  2014 NASCAR Driver Review: Kevin Harvick
• Justin Tucker

  https://frontstretch.com/author/justin/

  2014 NASCAR Driver Review: James Buescher
• Justin Tucker

  https://frontstretch.com/author/justin/

  Stenhouse Crew Chief Mike Kelley Fined for Homestead Suspension Issue
• Justin Tucker

  https://frontstretch.com/author/justin/

  Matt Crafton, Ryan Blaney Pace Thursday Truck Series Practices at Homestead