IndyCar still in talks with Pocono for 2020 and beyond despite Richmond rumors

Despite rumors that Richmond Raceway may replace Pocono Raceway on the 2020 IndyCar schedule, the series is still in talks with the latter.

A date for Richmond Raceway on the IndyCar schedule beginning in the 2020 season is looking more likely. In fact, Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern has reported that a deal should be reached “barring an unforeseen hiccup”.

Richmond Raceway has not hosted an IndyCar race since the 2009 season. Meanwhile, Pocono Raceway, following a 24-year hiatus, has hosted an IndyCar race in each season since the 2013 season, and it is scheduled to host the next race on the 17-race 2019 schedule, the ABC Supply 500, in a few weeks.

There were rumors that the potential addition of Richmond Raceway to the 2020 schedule would mean that Pocono Raceway would not return to the calendar.

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However, even if Richmond Raceway is added to the schedule, there is a chance that Pocono Raceway may still be on it as well.

IndyCar is scheduled to race at the three-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Pocono Raceway oval in Long Pond, Pennsylvania on a one-year contract extension on Sunday, August 18 after the two-year contract extension that the two sides agreed to in 2016 expired at the end of last season’s race.

IndyCar’s original contract with Pocono Raceway began in the 2013 season and was for three seasons. A one-year contract extension was agreed upon for the 2016 season prior to the agreement of the two-year contract extension that ended last year.

But despite the rumors about the likely addition of the four-turn, 0.75-mile (1.207-kilometer) Richmond Raceway oval in Richmond, Virginia to the schedule, IndyCar is still in talks with Pocono Raceway for another contract extension for at least the 2020 season.

Here is what Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky had to say about the matter, according to Motorsport.

"“The ball’s in their court; we want [the series] back. “We got some ideas that we threw out, so we’re just waiting to hear back. I think they had some other things they were working on, but we’ve been in communication. If the cards align, great. If they don’t, there’s some options we’re looking at for that as well.“[But] I’d love to have them back. I love to see those cars race here. It’s an unbelievable sensation of speed just from watching them dive into Turn 1. Hopefully they come back.”"

Here is what IndyCar vice president of promoter and media partner relationships Stephen Starks had to add, according to Motorsport.

"“IndyCar is still in the process of finalizing the 2020 schedule, and how it relates to Pocono. Although no decision has been made, we have been communicating with Pocono Raceway’s leadership, and we’re looking forward to being there in a few weeks for our race, when we will speak again about our future.”"

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Will IndyCar return to Pocono Raceway for what would be the eighth consecutive year next year, or will the track be off the schedule for the first time since the 2012 season?