IndyCar has confirmed a 17-race schedule for the 2017 season as the series returns to Gateway Motorsports Park for the first time since 2003, whilst also confirming a multi-year agreement with Watkins Glen.
For the sixth consecutive year, the season will open on the streets of St. Petersburg on March 12 and conclude at Sonoma Raceway on September 17.
The schedule consists of eight oval races, with the return of Gatway Motorsports Park to the roster. The Illinois oval has hosted seven Indy Car races, in CART from 1997-2000 and the IndyCar Series from 2001-03.
"Today is a monumental day for the people of the St. Louis region," commented Curtis Francois, owner of Gateway Motorsports Park. "I am proud of the progress we’ve made at my hometown track. I knew someday we would be making an announcement like this because I have such confidence in the people of this region and their commitment to great sporting events.
"More than a dozen track operators around the country sought this INDYCAR race for their communities. I firmly believe we came out on top because of the energy, loyalty and commitment to great sports that sports fans of all kinds demonstrate each day in this community."
Former Gateway winner Helio Castroneves hailed the return of the "challenging" oval to the calendar: "I think it’s great that we’re going back to Gateway," he said. "I know that the people of St. Louis will get a heck of a show. The track isn’t a typical oval with the irregular shape, which makes it challenging. It’s a track well suited for INDYCAR. I’m looking forward to it."
Watkins Glen International, which replaced the failed Boston event this year, will continue to host IndyCar following a multi-year agreement.
"The addition of Gateway Motorsports Park and the return of Watkins Glen International are integral to the continued growth of INDYCAR,” added Mark Miles, CEO of IndyCar parent Hulman & Co. "Gateway officials have been enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting a Verizon IndyCar Series event for some time and we’re excited to bring the series to the St. Louis market.
"Watkins Glen is an iconic American road course that is revered by our fans, drivers and teams. Our goal from the beginning was to establish a long-term agreement and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to extend this relationship for the future."
All events on the 2017 IndyCar Series schedule will be broadcast by longstanding television partners ABC and NBCSN.
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