"Fans of
MotoGP know just how thrilling this form of racing is, and our new road-course configuration will create even more side-by-side action and passing opportunities for the skilled riders."
As Chitwood indicated, motorcycles were the first vehicles to race at Indianapolis, in 1909, two years before the first Indianapolis 500 car race.
Five Americans have scored points in MotoGP this year, including reigning world champion
Nicky Hayden - who has won his home grand prix for the past two seasons.
"I'm really excited about this race," said the Repsol Honda rider. "It is great that
Red Bull is committed to the growth of MotoGP in America, and coming to such an historic track like Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be really special to me. It's like my home race. I'm sure all of Owensboro will make the drive up north!"
Less than a week ago, Indianapolis announced that it would not host a
Formula One grand prix next season - however the MotoGP deal is said to be unrelated to
F1's exit.
With the current 18 round MotoGP calendar unlikely to expand, the new Indianapolis event - for which a 'multi-year' agreement has been reached - is expected to be at the expense of the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park.
The 2007 US Grand Prix, round eleven of the world championship, starts on Friday.
