IndyCar has added a new venue to its series next year with the NOLA Motorsports Park in Louisiana primed for an early season round in April.
The series confirmed the new event as the current season readies for a thrilling finale with Will Power going into the deciding race in California this weekend clutching a 51-point lead over his Penske team-mate Helio Castroneves.
To be known as the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana, the event will be held from April 10-12 and will become the first IndyCar race in New Orleans.
The 13-turn, 4.29km circuit has been the subject of a $4.5million commitment by Louisiana state authorities to revamp the facility in the wake of the IndyCar commitment.
The investment has been coupled with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park to bring the facility up to speed and meet the requirements to join the IndyCar schedule.
To be promoted by Andretti Sports Marketing, the event will involve a three-day festival themed on New Orleans-style culture that will feature live entertainment and Creole cuisine.
“New Orleans has a history of hosting successful major sporting events and we’re thrilled to be able to add the Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana to the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.” Mark Miles, the chief executive of IndyCar parent company Hulman & Co, said.
NOLA Motorsports Park owner Laney Chouest said work has begun on the improvements ahead of the spring race.
“Track operations are currently underway to transform NOLA Motorsports Park into a Verizon IndyCar Series circuit, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, grandstands and viewing platforms racing fans need for a truly enjoyable experience,” Chouest said.
The reconfigured course layout was done in association with IndyCar and drivers James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal.
“Having seen the track and the changes they are going to make, I think it’ll be great to drive,” Hinchcliffe said.
Earlier this week the Texas Motor Speedway confirmed that its turn to host an IndyCar Series round has been set for June 4-6.
However the full schedule for 2015, which could include a race in Dubai and Brasilia, is not expected to be publicly released until a few weeks after the Fontana finale at the Auto Club Speedway this weekend.
*Stay with Speedcafe.com for all the latest on the IndyCar season climax in California this weekend
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