The inaugural race will incorporate Turns 4-6
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Dario Franchitti became the first IndyCar Series
driver to test the Infineon Raceway road course during a one-day compatibility
test on November 11.
The test, which IRL officials used to evaluate the facility, confirmed that the
track's inaugural race will incorporate Turns 4-6 of the road course, including
the sweeping, 200-degree Carousel.
Track and IRL officials had originally planned to use a modified 10- turn,
1.77-mile version of the road course for the event, but decided to include the
Carousel, one of Infineon Raceway's signature turns, to provide the best
possible race for the fans. With the addition of the Carousel, the IRL will
utilize a 12-turn, 2.2-mile circuit. The distance of the race has not yet been
determined.
Infineon Raceway will host the first permanent road course race in the 10 year
history of the IndyCar Series on Aug. 28, 2005.
The use of the Carousel should offer fans an additional area for great racing
and passing on the road course. The circuit will also include modified versions
of Turns 9 and 11.
"It is very exciting to see the plans for this event take shape," said Steve
Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. "Our fans in Northern
California are in for one of the best shows in motor racing."
Work is currently under way on track enhancements around the
course in preparation for the event. Grading will be completed at Turns 2 and 3
to provide more run-off, and k-wall and tire packs will be placed around the
course. Paving and smoothing will also be completed in some run-off areas.
The inaugural event will be the first major open-wheel event at Infineon Raceway
in 35 years, and will also feature the IRL Menards Infiniti Pro SeriesT. The
IndyCar Series and Menards Infiniti Pro Series will return for an Open Test at
Infineon Raceway on April 12- 13.