Phoenix removed from IndyCar schedule for 2019
IndyCar’s three-year experiment on returning to Phoenix’s ISM Raceway is at an end, it has been confirmed today.







The 1.022-mile oval returned to the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule in 2016 after a 10-year hiatus, but two dull races with manufacturer aerokits [2016-’17] and a sparse crowd for all three events has persuaded both parties the union should end.
An official IndyCar statement says: “IndyCar has enjoyed its time racing at ISM Raceway, but attendance in the past three years has been disappointing despite considerable investment from both sides.
“Track president Bryan Sperber and his team have been terrific partners and are developing a beautiful facility, and IndyCar will reconnect with them when conditions are right for both parties.
“Meanwhile, IndyCar is moving forward with building a terrific schedule for the 2019 season.”
Sperber himself told Michael Knight of the Arizona Republic: “We have enjoyed having IndyCar at our venue for the full three years of our agreement. The series officials and teams have been tremendous partners.
“IndyCar will not be on our schedule in 2019; we’re currently taking a pause to review schedule options for the future.
“IndyCar is currently discussing with International Speedway Corporation (ISC) other potential venues and opportunities. We’d like IndyCar to be on our calendar in the coming years, and we will work with IndyCar to find a date that will help deliver a successful event.”

Previous article
Foyt confirms ABC Supply, Kanaan, Leist to remain in 2019
Next article
Road America IndyCar: Wickens tops third practice for SPM

About this article
Series | IndyCar |
Event | Phoenix |
Location | ISM Raceway |
Author | David Malsher-Lopez |
Phoenix removed from IndyCar schedule for 2019
Trending
IndyCar: Romain Grosjean tests the car
IndyCar Rookie of the Year: Rinus Veekay
IndyCar: Scott McLaughlin's rookie testing
Is Arrow McLaren SP ready for IndyCar’s title fight?
With Patricio O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist leading its line-up, 2021 could be the year Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet joins the IndyCar elite, writes David Malsher-Lopez.
Dale Coyne picks the Top 10 drivers in his giant-slaying team
Over 37 seasons, Dale Coyne has run no fewer than 80 Indy car drivers – including himself! Ahead of his first season running Romain Grosjean, we asked Coyne to pick the best 10 drivers ever to compete for him. By David Malsher-Lopez.
Why enigmatic Marco Andretti will be missed
Last Friday, Marco Andretti announced he is withdrawing from fulltime IndyCar racing. David Malsher-Lopez explains how this third-gen racer was a puzzle in the car, but a straight shooter off-track.
Why Roger Penske is an American motorsport icon
In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Roger Penske reveals the inner drive that has made him not only a hugely successful team owner and businessman but also the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. He spoke to David Malsher-Lopez.
Is the mighty McLaren M16 the greatest ever Indy car?
When founder Bruce McLaren died in June 1970, his team could have folded. Instead, his loyal band rallied to produce a string of winners - including an Indy car game-changer that won three Indy 500s in six years.
How Newgarden delivered his best season, yet still lost
Josef Newgarden was our pick as top IndyCar driver of 2020 but his finest season-long run of performances failed to yield the championship. David Malsher-Lopez explains why.
2020 IndyCar Review and Top 10 drivers of the year
David Malsher-Lopez explains how the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series was unlike any other, and why it featured familiar and unfamiliar faces competing for glory.
How Dixon won his sixth IndyCar title, in his own words
Chip Ganassi Racing’s newly crowned six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon takes us round by round through his remarkable season. David Malsher-Lopez listens.