IRL to race Milwaukee Mile in '04

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (AP) -- The Indy Racing League added a race to next year's calendar on Wednesday -- a 250-mile IndyCar series race at the Milwaukee Mile on July 25.

CART's Champ Car World Series night race also is scheduled at the track for June 5.

Neither sanctioning body has released its full 2004 schedule. But so far the Milwaukee Mile is the only track certain of hosting both America-based major open-wheel series next year.The only track to host both series this season was California Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

The Milwaukee Mile insists its new contract with the IRL is not a hedge against CART's uncertain future.

"It wasn't even a consideration," said Mark Perrone, general manager of the century-old oval. "This quite frankly is about programming here at the Milwaukee Mile and us trying to bring the best events that we possibly can to our motor sports fans."

CART has struggled financially in recent years and is seeking buyers. Perrone is optimistic the series will survive.

"We have a commitment to them as a partner and we'll do all we can to help them ensure the success of their series," he said. "It affects all of us."

Gov. Jim Doyle sees the IRL and CART dates as a win-win situation.

"It's a huge benefit to race fans," he said. "It's like having an American League and a National League franchise right in your hometown. We're going to see the best drivers in both leagues."

CART recently signed a contract extension through 2006 to race on the traditional post-Memorial Day weekend date in Milwaukee. That pact also ensured the rival IRL couldn't run a race at the Mile within 30 days on either side of the CART event.

"We look forward to a long-term relationship," CART spokesman Adam Saal said Wednesday. "We've locked in our traditional late-May, early-June date, which is synonymous with Champ Car tradition. And we also have the exclusive contract for night racing there."

This year's race was the first under the lights in CART history.

The track also will host a NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Busch series double header weekend next June 26-27.

Martin Greenberg, chairman of the board of the Wisconsin State Fair Park, where the Mile is located, said the track will soon announce a fourth weekend racing event in 2004.

Kenny Brack of Team Rahal, winner of the CART race at Milwaukee two years ago, attended the announcement of the IRL addition.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "And I hope to win it."

 

Related information

Stories

IRL drivers cautiously optimistic about Kentucky track surface

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video