IRL inches closer to Daytona race

Daytona International Speedway is tweaking its road course apparently to satisfy the needs and requests of various sanctioning bodies, including the Indy Racing League, which use the track for testing and racing.

"We're always soliciting input from our competitors to find out how we can make our venue better for them," Speedway president Robin Braig said. "These changes are a result of those conversations. We look forward to having these alterations make the events here at DIS even more exciting."

The IndyCar Series tested here in January and various drivers said several infield obstructions, such as light poles and fencing, needed to be removed before an open wheel event could be considered for Daytona.

Almost all of those fixtures are being removed.

Speedway spokesman David Talley said the improvements and upgrades were being made to satisfy all of Daytona's road-course customers, a roster that includes Grand-Am and American Motorcycle Association.

As for the IRL, Talley said, "They are going to let us know by Sept. 1 what their plans are. We hope they come back. We had a great time with them the first time. We won't know that until September." Daytona Beach News Journal