Gateway oval returns to IndyCar schedule in 2017

The 1.25-mile oval just outside Madison, Ill., will host its IndyCar round on August 26 next year, the first oval track to be added or reinstated to the series’ schedule since Pocono’s return in 2013.

The venue was used four times by CART, 1997-2000, and three times by the Indy Racing League. The oval had seven different winners in its seven years, although Team Penske won three times with Paul Tracy in 1997, Gil de Ferran in 2002 and Helio Castroneves a year later.

The oval is distinctive in that its Turn 1-2 radius is considerably tighter than at 3-4, and its banking is different as well, the pavement cranked to 11° in the first two turns, only 9° in the final turns and with just 3° of tilt on the straights.

It’s understood that Gateway officials had been talking with Miles for some time, and only the Olympics – and therefore the lack of air time opportunities available on NBCSN Sports in August – prevented Gateway appearing on the calendar this season.

Since the last IndyCar race in 2003, the venue has been used by teams for testing. It hosted the NASCAR Xfinity Series until 2010. However, Gateway Motorsports Park has enjoyed a resurgence since the track was purchased by local investor Curtis Francois in 2012. NASCAR returned to the track in 2014 after a three-year absence with the Camping World Truck Series. Christopher Bell won the even in March. 

"Today is a monumental day for the people of the St. Louis region," said Curtis Francois, owner of Gateway Motorsports Park. “More than a dozen track operators around the country sought an INDYCAR date for their communities. I firmly believe we came out on top because of the energy, loyalty and commitment to great sports that sports fans of all kinds demonstrate each day in this community."

“Gateway Motorsports Park is a key addition to the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Curtis Francois has been enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting an INDYCAR event for some time and we’re excited to bring the Verizon IndyCar Series to the market in 2017. Curtis and his team have made substantial improvements to the track and we’re confident both the facility, and the on-track competition, will be of the highest quality.”

The dragstrip continues to host the NHRA.

The full IndyCar schedule will be announced at 12PM Eastern Time.