Houston confirmed for return on calendar in 2013
- Published on 29 Mar 2012 14:34
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- By: Rob Veenstra
The announcement March 28 confirmed an IZOD IndyCar Series race weekend that IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard and Mi-Jack Promotions principal Mike Lanigan had sought for more than a year. The Oct. 4-6 event will be known as the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston.
We are thrilled to be returning to Houston, said Lanigan, Chairman and CEO of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston and co-owner of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing IZOD IndyCar Series team. The Grand Prix was very successful in 2006 and 2007 (Champ Car World Series events won by Sebastien Bourdais), with big crowds at Reliant Park witnessing an exciting three-day festival of speed. In 2013 it will be better than ever.
Bernard, who attended the news conference in Houston, said many factors contributed to the decision to award Houston a spot on the 2013 schedule. When we look at growing our schedule, one of our top objectives is to showcase our racing in major U.S. cities, which in turn helps our sponsors, team owners and television package and is key to the success of our sport, said Bernard, who noted that at this point IndyCar hasn't determined if this race would be the season finale. As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is a great fit for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Reliant Park will be a tremendous venue.
IndyCar president of operations and strategy Brian Barnhart toured the complex March 28 and was impressed with the infrastructure and venue for racing and spectators. The 1.7-mile, 10-turn concrete circuit will challenge drivers and teams. Aside from the size of the market and what it brings, to be in the Reliant Park complex is just a phenomenal venue that will be great because its so convenient and well-packaged, he said.
We are thrilled to be returning to Houston, said Lanigan, Chairman and CEO of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston and co-owner of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing IZOD IndyCar Series team. The Grand Prix was very successful in 2006 and 2007 (Champ Car World Series events won by Sebastien Bourdais), with big crowds at Reliant Park witnessing an exciting three-day festival of speed. In 2013 it will be better than ever.
Bernard, who attended the news conference in Houston, said many factors contributed to the decision to award Houston a spot on the 2013 schedule. When we look at growing our schedule, one of our top objectives is to showcase our racing in major U.S. cities, which in turn helps our sponsors, team owners and television package and is key to the success of our sport, said Bernard, who noted that at this point IndyCar hasn't determined if this race would be the season finale. As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is a great fit for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Reliant Park will be a tremendous venue.
IndyCar president of operations and strategy Brian Barnhart toured the complex March 28 and was impressed with the infrastructure and venue for racing and spectators. The 1.7-mile, 10-turn concrete circuit will challenge drivers and teams. Aside from the size of the market and what it brings, to be in the Reliant Park complex is just a phenomenal venue that will be great because its so convenient and well-packaged, he said.
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