The Indy Racing League announced dates for four of its races
during its inaugural '96 season: The Indy 200 at Walt Disney
World's planned 1.1 mile oval on January 27; Phoenix 200 at
Phoenix Int'l Raceway on March 24; Indianapolis 500 on its
traditional Memorial Day date, May 26; and the Las Vegas 200
September 15. Two more IRL dates may come at a later date. ABC
will broadcast each race (IRL).
WARRING LEAGUES? In Boston, Michael Vega examines the
problems that may develop between IndyCar and the IRL. Many
IndyCar drivers are concerned that non-sanctioning by the IRL
could keep them out of the Indy 500. IndyCar CEO Andrew Craig
said the issue is power: "We've come down to one issue, and
that's that the [Indianapolis Motor] Speedway wants to either
have the power to run the series or at least to have most of the
power in running the series." Car owner Derrick Walker is afraid
the conflict could be "divisive to the sport": "I think we'll
all lose. ... My sponsors want to go to the Indy 500 and I'm sure
the Indy 500 wants our team and wants our sponsors. So I think
if the IRL is going to evolve, it has to recognize there are
other interests for these teams and the rules should be open
enough to allow a team to go to the Indy 500 even if it doesn't
go to the whole series" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/23).
