2008 Indianapolis MotoGP

.OrgOwner · 07-16-2007, 7:21 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials Monday announced a deal with MotoGP to bring the international motorcycle racing series to the famed track next year. The Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix will be Sept. 14, 2008.

The agreement means Indianapolis will continue to host three major racing events each year despite losing the U.S. Grand Prix next year. Speedway CEO Tony George said Thursday that he and Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone agreed not to schedule the 2008 race at the track.
The Speedway still will host the Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
Track president Joie Chitwood has said he had been talking to the MotoGP series for more than a year and a half.
Motorcycles were the first vehicles to race at the Speedway in 1909, two years before the first Indianapolis 500.
It will be the second U.S. race on the series calendar, joining the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix in Monterey, Calif.

dicknose · 07-17-2007, 12:04 AM

Im not so sure on this.
I can see they want to push the US and giving it a 2nd race will help that.
I wouldnt want to see it replace Leguna Seca. I just wish they could run the 2 strokes at LS.

I think in terms of expansion Id rather see a south american race - maybe Brazil.

.OrgOwner · 07-17-2007, 12:29 AM

I don't know enough about how the decisions are made on this but at a guess they would be selling to the highest bidder right?

Red Rider · 07-17-2007, 11:37 AM

Tickets are already on sale:

Red Bull Indianapolis GP

hotnanas · 07-17-2007, 12:08 PM

i've been trying to figure out which seats to get...life is so complicated!

...i wonder how if they need cornerworkers!

Gecko5 · 07-21-2007, 2:21 PM

The good thing is that the Indy race will include all three GP classes. But, I am not so thrilled about it being at Indy. I think Indy and relate it to NASCAR.

Phadreus · 07-21-2007, 9:49 PM

I'm watching the Laguna qualifying efforts and Greg White is talking about Indy hosting Moto GP next year. I am SO there next year! Woo hoo...

Red.Rider · 07-23-2007, 9:38 PM

I'm from the east coast (actually great lakes area) so there's a good chance I'll plan a trip to the USGP on September. The Indianapolis road coarse has one of the longest straights on the F1 circuit, Formula One cars could reach speed excess of 220mph. Wonder what the MotoGP bikes will do on the front straight and what provisions track officials will make in terms of safety. Hitting that concrete wall at those speeds would not be too pleasant.

Sprint1050DA · 07-23-2007, 9:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gecko5

The good thing is that the Indy race will include all three GP classes. But, I am not so thrilled about it being at Indy. I think Indy and relate it to NASCAR.

Odd that NASCAR is the first type of racing that comes to your mind when you think of Indy, since they have been racing stock cars there since 1994. Hopefully it helps to build the popularity of the sport in the Midwest. I personally can't wait. Grew up an hour and a half from Indy, I'll definitely be there.

LITEITUP · 08-02-2007, 12:24 PM

Very nice indeed. I live 20 minutes from the Speedway and my brother lives down the street from there. I cant decide what seats to reserve. I think ill try a penthouse then go from there. Maybe the sw vista or even j high up, hmmmm.......

fireblade3876 · 08-04-2007, 2:48 PM

I think its awesome you guys getting another event, it is expanding it away from Europe and gives people like myself another excuse to travel across the pond.