MotoGP Returning to Indianapolis in 2011

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

MotoGP Returning to Indianapolis in 2011

Contract extended one more year
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Aug. 30, 2010
Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host at least another year of MotoGP racing after extending its contract with series promoter Dorna Sports for 2011.

The MotoGP World Championship is tentatively scheduled to return to Indianapolis Aug. 26-28, 2011 for the fourth time at the iconic race circuit.

Were thrilled to welcome back the stars and machines of MotoGP in 2011. This is a unique weekend that our fans enjoy, bringing the international flavor and great action of MotoGP to the Speedway, says Jeff Belskus, president and chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. It has been a successful race for the last three years, including a great partnership with Red Bull, and we are working hard to continue to develop the event.

While Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a long storied history of racing, the Brickyard has received criticism from some racers for the consistency of the track surface.

Nicky Hayden's left knee had a small run-in with a drain cover during the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner expressed concerns about the track. Stoners Ducati Marlboro teammate Nicky Hayden had his left knee puck ripped off by a drain cover, limiting his ability to lean on the circuits many left turns.

That may explain why the contract extension was for just one more year. By contrast, Dorna Sports signed a six-year extension with Laguna Seca in 2008 that will see MotoGP bikes racing down the corkscrew until 2014. A one year deal with Indianapolis Motor Speedway gives Dorna more options.

The extension of the agreement for a further year allows all parties involved to continue providing a superb weekend of racing at Indianapolis next season, says Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. It permits all possibilities to be explored at the end of 2011 when the current contractual agreement with the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association) and IRTA (International Racing Teams Association) is reviewed, as MotoGP continues to develop into a new era in the sport in 2012.

Related Reading
MotoGP 2010 Indianapolis Results

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