Smith has eye on IndyCar

from the Indianapolis Star website

Bruton Smith's interest in the IndyCar Series is increasing with each discussion he has about one of his tracks hosting a race.

The owner and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports Inc. said this week that Kentucky Speedway, which typically has had one of the best crowds on the IndyCar schedule, is nearing a deal to occupy the Labor Day weekend slot in 2010.

"We've said yes; they've said yes," he said. "We don't have it in writing yet, but I think it's a go."

Smith also is seeking an end-of-July date for New Hampshire Motor Speedway and a season-ending race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both oval tracks have hosted IndyCar races in the past.

IndyCar officials have confirmed talks regarding all three tracks for next year.

Smith also likes the idea of freshly designed cars for 2012 because he believes change could be good for spectators. And he wants car numbers to be larger. He wouldn't mind white sidewalls on the tires, either, to make them sparkle.

"We need to get the cars where the fans can recognize them, and we need to get rid of all black cars," he said. "Sometimes you lose a car out there, and it's dangerous."

In addition to Kentucky, Speedway Motorsports has IndyCar races at Texas Motor Speedway and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

The IndyCar Series begins its first visit to Toronto today with practice for Sunday's race.