[Racer Duck]

When things aren't going well, it can be a long day racing on the IndyCar Series' four short ovals. Conversely, these sprints are highly spirited for drivers who have hit on the right package.

All of the contests on the tracks – from the 0.75-mile Richmond International Raceway to the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway – also are highly entertaining for spectators/viewers. Racing under the lights adds to the excitement at Nashville and Richmond, which will be extended 50 laps for 2008.

"I always give it the adage of your car is like on the end of a long string that somebody is swinging it around their head," A.J. Foyt Racing's Darren Manning said. "The racing is really tight and everybody is even closer on those tracks. It's difficult to pass, but if you have a good car you can definitely go forward. You certainly know if you have a bad car. Some of the big superspeedways you can go and hide if your car is bad, but on those short tracks there is nowhere to hide."

Also, the new qualifications format (four cumulative timed laps setting the grid instead of the better of two laps) could shake the lineup. All four short ovals return on the same weekends as 2007.

"(Qualifying) will be interesting, especially at the Milwaukees and Richmonds," Andretti Green Racing's Marco Andretti said. "There are some ovals where it can be quite easy for one lap. This will make it tougher to get a balance for the four laps."

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