IMS to host dirt track race week before the Brickyard 400
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — In an effort to boost attendance at the Brickyard 400 race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is making plans to host a United States Auto Club dirt track race inside Turn 3 at IMS to kick off events prior to the NASCAR race.
IMS President Doug Boles has enlisted Kokomo Speedway boss Reece O’Connor to help design and build the quarter-mile track with 60-foot wide straightaways and eight-degree banking in the turns.
NASCAR moved the Brickyard into the Chase format this season after declining attendance in recent years; the race drew just over 50,000 people in recent years
Track crews began hauling in dirt Tuesday morning to construct a quarter-mile track in Turn 3 and will install bleachers capable of seating up to 5,000 fans.
IMS is hoping the midget car race, to be held on either Sept. 6 or 7th, will bring more fans to the track.
The Brickyard 400 is Sept. 9.
IMS plans to make an official announcement with finalized details, including the event name, title sponsor and specific date, early next week.