IndyCar officials weren't "comfortable" with making Fontana the season finale

Friday at Pocono Raceway, Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles made an appearance on the IMS Radio Network and discussed some hot topics regarding the yet to be confirmed 2016 IndyCar schedule, which will see many alterations from its 2015 counterpart.

We need to crown our champion when a lot of people are paying attention

Mark Miles

Firstly, he tackled the loss of Auto Club Speedway, which played host to arguably the most enthralling race of the season so far. "We think it's a great track with great racing, but there are a few issues. One thing we collectively couldn't get over was that they would like to be the finale. We would like them to be the finale - we'd love to be on a superspeedway at the conclusion of the championship but they also need to be at night. 

"We are just not comfortable with an event that will end on the east coast at 1am and crowning the champion," he admitted. "Our paddock understands that.

"In the end, we have to reach more people and it's hard to do early in the morning. I do hope people ultimately realize, that as a series, we need to crown our champion when a lot of people are paying attention."

Earlier start, later end

Miles then dove a little deeper into the 2016 IndyCar schedule, stating that it will start earlier and end later, but have "about the same amount of races". The season will kick off in mid-March, likely with St. Petersburg which is currently scheduled for March 13th. The season will end in the middle of September and the latest confirmed race at this time is the Labor Day weekend event on the streets of Boston. 

In regards to the imminent return of PIR, Miles added "(There's been) a lot of talk about Phoenix and it’s no secret we’re close to the finish line to get it back on the calendar."

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