IndyCar returning to single race format at TMS

IndyCar will return to Texas Motor Speedway for the 16th consecutive season on June 9, 2012, reverting to a single-race format with the Firestone 550.

TMS experimented with the Firestone Twin 275s last season, with two full-field races that each carried half the points and purse. It was the first time IndyCar used the format.

"We ran twin races this year, but it required more than an hour break between races to allow teams the ability to change engines and make other necessary changes to the cars," TMS president Eddie Gossage said in a news release. "In listening to the fans, that hour break was simply too long. We're glad we tried the unique format, but we always listen to the fans' input to hopefully enhance their experience in the future."