Although league officials have indicated that the IZOD IndyCar Series will remain around 17-18 races next year, series CEO Randy Bernard told the Indianapolis Star that a purge of existing events to accommodate new venues is not necessarily permanent. While it remains to be determined what tracks will drop off to maintain the current level, Bernard said he believes the series could eventually sustain a 24-race schedule.
"In a perfect world, with a perfect television contract...from what we're hearing from promoters, there is that much interest out there," he said.
Bernard added that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a good fit because it fills two needs: a short oval to compensate for the losses of Milwaukee and Richmond, Va., and a foothold in the Northeast.