IndyCar Announces 2024 Schedule: Milwaukee Mile Returns, Texas Motor Speedway Dropped
IndyCar has released its highly anticipated schedule for the 2024 season, revealing some major changes and exciting new additions. The most notable announcement is the return of the Milwaukee Mile, a beloved track that hasn’t hosted an IndyCar race since 2015. The doubleheader race weekend will take place on Labor Day weekend and is expected to bring back memories of past legendary races.
The Texas Motor Speedway, however, will not be part of the IndyCar calendar for the first time since 1997. The decision to drop the iconic oval track was due to scheduling conflicts, according to Roger Penske, owner of both IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Penske assured fans that the omission of Texas is likely only for one year and that the race will make a comeback in the near future.
Another significant change in the schedule includes the shift of the season finale from the Laguna Seca road course in California to the downtown city streets of Nashville. This move aims to bring more excitement and a unique experience to the season finale. NASCAR is also expected to return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, while IndyCar will race on the Indianapolis road course only once, in May before the Indianapolis 500.
The 2024 schedule consists of 17 races, with two Saturday night races and a special all-star race in Southern California, offering a $1 million prize. Twelve of the races will be broadcasted on NBC, showcasing the growing partnership between the network and IndyCar. This collaboration has contributed to the series’ rising popularity, as IndyCar just concluded its most-watched season on record.
In addition to the confirmed races, IndyCar is finalizing an exhibition race in Argentina for next fall. The event was not included in Monday’s schedule announcement, but Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., expressed confidence in making it happen. Miles mentioned that there are still logistical details to work out, but they are committed to bringing IndyCar to Argentina.
The upcoming season is set to kick off on March 10 at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, and will culminate on September 15 on Nashville’s downtown streets. IndyCar enthusiasts can also look forward to enhanced coverage, with Toronto and the first race in Milwaukee being streamed exclusively. Additionally, all practices and qualifying sessions will be available for streaming on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service.
The 2024 IndyCar schedule reflects the series’ growth and aims to create an exhilarating and highly competitive season, according to Miles. With an array of premier venues, classic American road courses, and thrilling ovals, IndyCar hopes to continue building on its reach and popularity in the upcoming years.
Fans can now mark their calendars and anticipate an action-packed season filled with intense racing and incredible moments. IndyCar is undoubtedly fast-tracking its way into the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
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