The IndyCar Series will try something new while continuing with tradition in its 2007 preseason testing.

League officials announced today that the IndyCar Series will conduct preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2007 and at Homestead-Miami Speedway Feb. 21-22. The series will test at Daytona for the first time while the seventh preseason visit to Homestead will include testing under the lights for the first time.

“Expanding our preseason testing schedule to include Daytona International Speedway is good for both fans and teams,” said John Lewis, vice president of league development for the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series and the Indy Pro Series. “The feedback coming out of the test from our drivers and teams, Firestone, Honda and Ethanol was very positive and supportive of the IndyCar Series pursuing Daytona as a test venue.”

In late September, the IndyCar Series completed a successful compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway, featuring past series champions Sam Hornish Jr. (2001, ’02, ’06), Scott Dixon (’03), Tony Kanaan (’04) and Dan Wheldon (’05) and Vitor Meira. The visit allowed IndyCar Series officials to determine the possibility of DIS serving as a preseason testing venue. Series officials were able to see transitions onto the banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking for any challenging surface areas on the track. The test took place on the 2.73-mile road course, which included 10 turns and the tri-oval of the famed Daytona oval.

The September test also was the first time IndyCar Series cars used the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol that will power the field in 2007. The preseason test at Daytona will mark the first time that all cars will run with the new fuel mixture.

“We are very excited to be able to host preseason testing for the IndyCar Series here at Daytona,” said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “Bringing another motorsports sanctioning body to Daytona further solidifies us as the World Center of Racing.’ We look forward to welcoming the stars and fans of the IndyCar Series.”