INDIANAPOLIS, IN, AUG. 18 - Although rumors had everything pointing the opposite way, it was announced yesterday that the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a seventh consecutive year in 2014. A date has yet to be announced, but it will likely be held in mid-August.
Next year is the final year of the agreement between IMS and sanctioning organization and commercial rights holder Dorna to bring all three classes of the MotoGP World Championship – MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 – to the Brickyard. But IMS and Dorna have started discussions about a long-term relationship past the terms of the current contract. MotoGP first came to IMS in 2008.
“We’re very pleased that we can bring our fans another thrilling MotoGP World Championship race in 2014 at IMS,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement issued by Dorna. “The last six years have established a solid foundation for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and we are optimistic about the growth of the event in Indianapolis. We are also eager to continue working with our friends at Dorna to ensure an exciting long-term future for MotoGP at the racing capital of the world.”
"I’m extremely pleased that MotoGP will be returning to iconic Indianapolis track in 2014 to bring the pinnacle of motorcycle racing to the American fans,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in the release. “The Brickyard not only attracts a great crowd every year, but it heritage and history in the world of motor racing also helps grow the popularity of MotoGP in the United States and around the world. I would like to thank the organization and staff at Indianapolis for their fantastic efforts to keep the race at their track, and am already looking forward to returning next year.”