Pocono Raceway to host IndyCar next two years

POCONO RACEWAY removed any doubts that the Verizon IndyCar series would return to the track by announcing Wednesday that IndyCar will be back next year and in 2018.

No dates were announced for the 2017 and '18 races. The ABC Supply 500, the fourth IndyCar race since the series returned to Pocono, is scheduled for Aug. 21.

"We are thrilled to share this great news that we will host the Verizon IndyCar Series through 2018," said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono's president and CEO. "Our track was originally designed for open-wheel cars, and our fans really enjoy the action on the track. When you see these cars going six- and seven-wide, it is incredible. We also received positive feedback from teams and drivers and worked together with IndyCar to make sure Pocono Raceway stays on the schedule."

Jay Frye, president of IndyCar competition and operations, said, "It's very clear that Pocono is one of the favorites amongst the drivers, teams and fans of the Verizon IndyCar Series and we look forward to competing there for the foreseeable future."

Graham Rahal, who drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, said: "This is great news. We all love coming here. This place is one of the most entertaining and interesting ovals we go to and one of the most interesting tracks we go to, period. And one of the most demanding: It's three corners that have nothing in common, and it's difficult to make it work."