IRL: Popular Cleveland Event Added to 2000 IRL Schedule
30 June 1999
Promoter IMG To Construct Oval On Airport RunwaysCLEVELAND - One of the most popular racing festivals in the United States will become part of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League schedule in 2000.
The Medic Drug Grand Prix of Cleveland Presented by Firstar, July 7-9, 2000, will join the 84th running of the Indianapolis 500 on the Pep Boys Indy Racing League schedule.
"The city of Cleveland and IMG have a first-class racing event at Burke Lakefront airport," said Tony George, founder of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League and president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We are proud to begin this new association between the Pep Boys Indy Racing League and the Medic Drug Grand Prix. And, we are very pleased to add this strong Midwestern venue to our schedule."
Promoted by IMG Motorsports, a division of International Management Group (IMG), the Medic Drug Grand Prix of Cleveland will become an oval event in 2000. Preliminary plans have IMG transforming the current road course at the Burke Lakefront Airport, known for its competitive races due to the wide racing surface, into a new oval configuration approximately 1.2-miles in length.
"Cleveland has always had a reputation for good competitive racing," said Leo Mehl, executive director of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League. "We are excited about this event, not only for our competitors and sponsors, but for the auto racing fans in the Cleveland area.
"The new track configuration, combined with the close competitive style of our cars, will provide a great show for the fans."
League officials and IMG signed a three-year agreement that begins with the 2000 event.
"We are thrilled to have the Pep Boys Indy Racing League as our headline race at next year's Grand Prix," said Bud Stanner, president of IMG Motorsports. "We did a lot of careful research and determined that the Indy Racing League and oval racing would offer great entertainment for the wonderful race fans of Northeast Ohio.
"The League has great drivers, competitive races and direct ties to the most famous race in the world, the Indianapolis 500. Most importantly, their economic philosophy will allow us to keep our customer ticket and sponsorship prices affordable."
The Pep Boys Indy Racing League will release its entire 2000 schedule at a later date.
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