IndyCar Reportedly Nearing Deal To Hold Houston Race In '11

Houston Could Return To Open-Wheel Racing Circuit In October 2011

The Izod IndyCar Series and Mi-Jack Promotions are "nearing a deal that would return Houston to the open-wheel racing circuit in October 2011," according to Russ Goodall of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Mi-Jack Promotions GM Chuck Kosich said, "We have a handshake deal with the IndyCar Series, and both sides are working toward a deal that would have Houston on the schedule in 2011." He added, "All parties involved want to have Houston on the schedule going forward, and we are closing in on making that happen." Goodall reported Mi-Jack has until the "end of June to come up with a presenting or title sponsor to make sure the event is included on the 2011 schedule." Houston hosted CART races in the downtown area from '98-'01, prior to Mi-Jack moving the race "to Reliant Park for Champ Car events" in '06 and '07. The city was "bumped from the revised 2008 IndyCar schedule" after Champ Car was unified with the IRL (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/10).