IndyCar Series to Return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2011

Fasten your seatbelts racing fans. On the day that Jimmie Johnson took the checkered flag in a Sprint Cup race in Loudon , N.H., it was announced that IndyCar racing will return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2011.

Featuring open-wheel cars traveling at speeds around 200 mph, the IZOD IndyCar series race will take place on July 30, 2011.

"This is a three year deal in the making," Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway, told the speedway’s website. "As an Indiana native and a fan of open-wheeled racing, I strongly believe that the people of New Hampshire will embrace this 'new breed of speed' much like they do NASCAR."

Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti drove three laps on the track at Sunday’s race to give fans a preview of what is to come.

The return will end the open wheel series' 13-year absence from the 1.058-mile oval track.