NASCAR, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Grand-Am officials announced Wednesday the addition of Nationwide and road racing events to the annual Brickyard 400 weekend at the historic 2.5-mile track beginning in 2012. The sanctioning body is expanding the options for race fans in an effort to boost ticket sales after a steady decline in attendance over the past five years.

"Today's announcement is exciting for NASCAR and its fans," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "By bringing the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the GRAND-AM Series to the Brickyard as companion events for the Sprint Cup race in 2012, fans will now have the opportunity to see NASCAR's top two series combined with Grand-Am's outstanding sports car racing compete at one of the world's most iconic racetracks all in one exciting weekend."

"The Super Weekend at the Brickyard," kicks off Thursday, July 26 and culminates with the running of the 19th annual Brickyard 400 on Sunday July 29, 2012. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge are scheduled to run Friday marking the first time in IMS history that racing will be held on the oval track and the 2.534-mile road course on the same weekend.

Nationwide Series drivers have a scheduled practice session Thursday then will practice, qualify and race on Saturday.

"We're excited to have Nationwide and Grand-Am added to our Brickyard 400 weekend," said Jeff Belskus, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It really adds a lot of good content and good racing for our fans. It's going to make for a really exciting weekend."

Carl Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. David Donohue and Scott Pruett were also on hand for the announcement.

2012 Brickyard 400 Weekend Schedule

•Thursday, July 26: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice

•Friday, July 27: GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge practice, qualifying and races

•Saturday, July 28: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice, qualifying and race; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying

•Sunday, July 29: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 race.

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