IRL development series to debut in July 2002.

The Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series, the new Indy Racing League developmental series, will debut Sunday, July 7, 2002, at Kansas Speedway.

This is the first of seven anticipated Infiniti Pro Series events in 2002. Races will take place at the same track and on the same day as Indy Racing Northern Light Series events, with every Infiniti Pro Series race distance set at 100 miles.

"The Infiniti Pro Series will create many opportunities for drivers who want to reach the pinnacle of open-wheel, oval-track racing in America, the Indy Racing Northern Light Series," said Roger Bailey, executive director of the Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series. "A new era of affordable, competitive open-wheel racing for young drivers will start at Kansas, which is only fitting since the inaugural Northern Light Series race at the track in July was one of the most thrilling of the 2001 season."

The Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series was created on the same founding principles as the Indy Racing League. Infiniti Q45 engines will power new Dallara Automobili chassis built for the series, with Firestone tyres used exclusively on all cars. The V8 engines will produce approximately 450 horsepower for the single-seat winged chassis, providing an ideal training ground for the 650-horsepower, single-seat winged cars of the Northern Light Series.

Similar to Indy Racing Northern Light Series regulations, costs and development for the Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series will be controlled tightly by the Indy Racing League. It is estimated that a full season of competition (12 races) for a single-car team will cost approximately $750,000.

"Kansas Speedway is excited to host the Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series and its inaugural event," said Jeff Boerger, vice president and general manager of Kansas Speedway. "The interest and phenomenal crowds during the Ameristar Casino Indy 200 at Kansas Speedway in 2001 show that Kansas has quickly become a favourite stop on the tour for both drivers and fans. With the addition of the Infiniti Pro Series, we look forward to creating more excitement when the future stars of Indy Racing make their debut in 2002 at what will soon be their home away from home."

Additional details of the series will be released when they become available, including the complete schedule, television package and series logo.