THE CANADIAN PRESS
Consecutive Canadian dates and a first-time event in China highlight the 2012 IndyCar Series schedule that was released Thursday by the circuit.
The Honda Indy Toronto will be held July 8 at Exhibition Place before IndyCar shifts gear for Alberta and the Edmonton city centre airport course July 22.
IndyCar will stage its first race in China on Aug. 19 in the coastal city of Qingdao, located between Shanghai and Beijing. Qingdao staged the sailing portion of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 29 will make up the fourth international stop on the 15-race IndyCar schedule.
The season is set to begin March 25 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
"IndyCar is excited about the confirmed races announced today," IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said in a statement. "We are exploring adding additional events to the 2012 schedule.
"We’re in the process of confirming a 16th event, while also considering adding a 17th race to the calendar."