2012 IndyCar schedule set, Fontana finale under lights

UPDATE As if having the prestigious IZOD IndyCar Series return to Auto Club Speedway for the first time in seven years wasn’t enough good news for Southern California open-wheel race fans, here’s something else to celebrate. The September 15, 2012 under the lights extravaganza will be the finale of the series’ 16-race season.

“We already have record speeds, world-class drivers and the history and tradition of open-wheel racing at Auto Club Speedway," said track president Gillian Zucker. “Now add ‘season finale’ to our resume. All those ingredients make this track, which has arguably hosted some of the most exciting races in INDYCAR history, the place to be in September."

The thrill, excitement and speed of the IZOD IndyCar Series season will conclude the 2012 season at Auto Club Speedway where the world speed record for the fastest lap of 241.428 mph was set in 2000 – and still stands today.

The stars of the series, which includes 2011 Series Champion Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon along with high-profile owners Roger Penske, Chip Ganassi, A.J. Foyt and Bobby Rahal will visit Southern California’s premier motorsports facility with the intense competition, high-energy show scheduled to be run at night under the lights.

Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now. Ticket pricing is as follows: Reserved Club area $60; Reserved $50; General Admission $30; Kids 12 and under free in General Admission with Lefty’s Kids Club membership and camping packages are available from $255 to $330.

02/24/12 The Izod IndyCar Series will end its season on Sept. 15 at Auto Club Speedway, the series' top official said on Friday.

CEO Randy Bernard confirmed to Autoweek and then to Auto Club Speedway president Gillian Zucker that no races after that one will be planned for 2012.

Final 2012 IndyCar schedule
Mar. 25 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 1.806 Mile Street/Road Course
Apr. 1 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park 2.38-Mile Road Course
Apr. 15 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 1.99 Mile Street Course
Apr. 29 Grand Prix of Sao Paulo 2.28-Mile Street Course
May 27 Indy 500 2.5 mile Oval
Jun. 3 GP of Detroit 2.096 Mile Road Course
Jun. 9 (Sat. Night) Firestone 550 Texas Motor Speedway 1.5 Mile Oval
Jun. 16 Milwaukee 200 The Milwaukee Mile 1.032 Mile Oval
Jun. 23 Iowa Corn Indy 250 Iowa Speedway 0.875 Mile Oval
July 8 Toronto Grand Prix 1.721 Mile Street Circuit
July 22 Rexall Edmonton Indy 1.96 Mile Airport Circuit
Aug 5 The Honda Indy 200 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2.258 Mile Road Course
Aug 19 Qingdao, China 3.87-Mile Street Course
Aug. 26 Infineon Raceway Sonoma, CA
Sep 2 Baltimore Grand Prix 2.4 Mile Street Course
Sep 15 (Sat Night) California Speedway Fontana, CA 2.0 Mile Oval