The Indy Racing League and Michigan International Speedway will part ways after Sunday's race because they couldn't agree on a new contract, ending a decades-long relationship between thrilling, open-wheel racing and the 2-mile oval. "It's really sad," MIS president Roger Curtis said.
"Hopefully, the IRL will want to come back, but if they don't, we'll be prepared to move on," Curtis said. "We're not going to just sit here with two NASCAR races and say that's it. I've been here since May of last year and I didn't come here to just tread water.
"We're looking into how much it would cost to bring back the road course that used to be here along with other uses for the facility such as concerts and festivals."
Tomas Scheckter is disappointed that Sunday will be his last chance -- at least for a while -- to race at the track where he won his first race as a rookie in 2002. He is the only two-time pole sitter in the field.
"I'm sad to see that track leave the schedule next season, but I'm happy to have another shot to race there this season," Scheckter said. "It's a fast track and I'm really looking forward to going there."
SI.com - Racing - MIS☻set for final IRL race after longtime relationship - Thursday August 2, 2007 8:18PM