For the first time in its history, the IndyCar Series will open a new season with a race held under the lights, following confirmation that the 2007 campaign will begin with a 300-mile night race at Homestead-Miami Speedway next March.

Although the Florida venue has often provided the stage for the Indy Racing League to commence another title campaign, the race will be the first held there after dark.

"We were the first open-wheel series to race under the lights, and now we are the first to open our season under the lights," said president and COO Brian Barnhart, "Homestead-Miami Speedway has always produced exciting races and close finishes, and Miami continues to be an important market, especially with the number of IndyCar Series drivers that consider it home."

Homestead-Miami Speedway will be hosting the season-opening event for a sixth consecutive season, with four of the last six series champions - Sam Hornish Jr in 2001 and '02, Scott Dixon in 2003 and Dan Wheldon in 2005 - having got their title campaigns off to a winning start.

"The only thing more spectacular than watching these cars race at 200mph is watching them race at night," admitted Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray, "South Florida is famous for its fast-paced nightlife, so it was only fitting for the Speedway to host this event under the lights for the first time. We encourage everyone to order their tickets early."