On Monday, June 25, 2012, the IZOD IndyCar series officially announced that there will only be 15 races on the 2012 calendar. Though several other potential tracks had been contacted, it did not seem that any would work out and with time ticking down, it didn't seem that there would be enough time to put it together. Since the series was required to hold 16 races under its contract with title sponsor IZOD, this could present some major problems for the series.
Fortunately, IZOD, the main sponsor of the IndyCar series has given its support in the matter. Since the series has the sponsor's agreement on the matter, it seems that the series is unlikely to face repercussions over the number of races. The number of races in the 2012 season had also been a major issue before the season began. With the loss of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway season finale, which was cancelled after Dan Wheldon died during a wreck at the track in 2011, the series needed to look for an additional race or two.
The problem started after a planned race in China had to be cancelled. The event, designed to coincide with an annual beer festival, had been agreed to by the former local officials. After elections, and the addition of the new officials, the agreement was nullified. No new date could be agreed upon and the race was cancelled.
Hopefully, IZOD really is ok with the decision to basically scrap a race. It would be unfortunate if the sponsor pulled out of the series. However, the sponsor likely had little choice in the matter of whether there is a 16th race. If a track can't be found, it can't be done. I'm sure the sponsor would not want to push the series, or drivers, to race on a track that wasn't safe. No one wants a repeat of last year's season finale. With the panic over locating another race out of the way, perhaps now the series can focus on great racing and making better calls. There are several improvements that need to be made and now is the perfect opportunity.
Kristin Watt has been a fan of motorsports since she was a young girl and she watched NASCAR races with her mother. That love of NASCAR quickly evolved into a great enjoyment of many different motorsports including everything from local dirt track action to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans to the adrenaline rush of the extreme motocross events. She has been following motorsports for many years.
