The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway Motorsports Park is the latest race to have its 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series date confirmed, and like most others on the 2017 schedule, it will stay in the same date as this year.
The track confirmed Tuesday that it will run on August 25, 2018 as the second year of its multi-year agreement with INDYCAR, but the big change is that there will be an earlier start time.
What was an initial 8:45 p.m. CT race start time this year has been bumped up at least one hour. The track listed a 7 p.m. CT start time, but whether that’s the pre-race activity time or green flag time is to be determined and potentially weather contingent, per the track.
While not listing support series beyond IndyCar - both Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires and Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires races alongside IndyCar this year - Gateway did announce several changes for this year in response to customer feedback. Those are below:
- A large display and exhibitions of vintage Indy cars in conjunction with the Vintage Indy Registry.
- More pre-event and post-race live entertainment.
- Expanded parking and more roadways entering and exiting the parking areas.
- Expanded concession stands on the midway and in the infield.
Additionally, there’s incentives for ticket renewal and for new purchases. Per the track:
“Ticket renewals will start October 16. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on November 13. Renewal tickets can be secured with only a $10 down payment as part of our fan-friendly payment plan. Anyone purchasing tickets as a gift before December 15 will receive a special holiday card to present to their recipient. In addition, pre-holiday buyers will also receive a free Coors Light Pole Night ticket and a 2017 special event gift from Gateway Motorsports Park.
“Anyone purchasing INDYCAR tickets before August 11, 2018 will receive special advance pricing and a free Coors Light Pole Night ticket and will be registered for prize drawings that include exclusive event day experiences.”
Gateway’s confirmation adds another date to the 2018 IndyCar calendar. Announced dates are below:
Announced 2018 IndyCar dates so far:
- March 11, St. Petersburg
- April 7, Phoenix
- April 15, Long Beach
- April 22, Barber
- May 12, INDYCAR Grand Prix
- May 27, Indianapolis 500
- June 2-3, Detroit doubleheader
- June 9, Texas
- June 24, Road America
- July 8, Iowa
- August 25, Gateway
- Sept. 16, Sonoma