IndyCar, Pocono Raceway reach 2-year extension through ’18

Ryan Hunter-Reay drives during the Pocono IndyCar 500 auto race. (Derik Hamilton/AP)

LONG POND, Pa. — IndyCar and Pocono Raceway have reached a two-year extension that will keep the open-wheel series at the track through 2018.

The dates were not announced.

IndyCar returned to Pocono in 2013 following a 24-year absence and gives the series a needed oval on the schedule. Last year’s race was marred by the accident that killed driver Justin Wilson. This season’s race is Aug. 21.

Pocono’s three corners were designed in 1965 to model corners at Indianapolis, Milwaukee and now-defunct Trenton, and fans have always considered the track an important venue in open-wheel racing.

Pocono is also the site of NASCAR race weekends each year.

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