IndyCar to run doubleheader in Texas

Texas' annual IndyCar event will remain at night right after the Indy 500 but the 500-kilometer race will be split into the Firestone Twin 275s, a pair of full-field races with two winners being crowned.

The June 9 doubleheader is the first in the 15-year history of the Izod IndyCar Series. The Firestone Twin 275s will be only the 18th time for dual races in the history of major Indy-car racing (which encompasses the USAC, CART and Champ Car series). The last twin race was a CART-sanctioned event at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1981, one of nine oval doubleheaders (the first twin IndyCar race was at Mosport road circuit in 1967).

Each of the Texas races will award one-half the finishing points of a standard IndyCar event with the combined points equaling a full race.

Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said he began discussing the concept with IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard in January.

"The concept has Indy-car history to it, but at the same time provides a new dynamic event to our fans as well as the drivers," Gossage said. "Texas traditionally has hosted some of the series' most exciting races, and the format should provide plenty more in the future."