Barber Motorsports Park and the IndyCar Series have announced a three-year partnership today that will bring the series to Birmingham, Ala., next year. The "Indy Grand Prix of Alabama" will be contested the weekend of April 9-11, 2010.
"The Barber Motorsports Park is the finest road track in North America and deserves an event of this caliber and prestige," said Gene Hallman, president of Zoom Motorsports, the track's promoter. "We were fortunate to have the assistance of both Governor Riley and Mayor Langford, both of whom understand the benefits the IndyCar Series bring to our city and state. This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the 'Deep South,' meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region. Plus, having the automotive world focus on our state enables us to highlight our growing automotive industry,"
Representatives from Zoom Motorsports, Barber Motorsports Park and the Indy Racing League have been discussing a partnership since 2007.
"We are thrilled to bring the speed and excitement of the IndyCar Series to Barber Motorsports Park, the greater Birmingham area and the state of Alabama," said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "Zoom Motorsports and Barber Motorsports Park have already been outstanding hosts of two previous IndyCar Series tests. The nearly two-year pursuit to bring IndyCar Series racing to Birmingham only reinforces the professionalism and planning put into this by our newest scheduling partner."
Barber Motorsports Park opened in 2003. It is said to be the largest philanthropic project in the history of the state of Alabama, with more than $70 million private funds contributed. The track features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes over the 2.38-mile circuit. The Indy Racing League has hosted two test sessions at the Barber Motorsports Park, the most recent in March 2009.