Sports

IndyCar officials hoping future schedule changes keep series on right track

Associated Press
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Mark Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Hulman & Company, answers a reporter's question during IndyCar Media Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) (The Associated Press)

Mark Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Hulman & Company, makes a statement to reporters before taking questions during IndyCar Media Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) (The Associated Press)

IndyCar chief Mark Miles wants to keep his series front and center during the NFL's offseason.

On Tuesday, at IndyCar's media day, Miles outlined a plan that would expand the schedule to 20 races over seven months. The season opener would come after the Super Bowl in February with the season finale set for Labor Day weekend — just before the NFL's regular season kicks off and early enough not to lose television viewers.

Miles says IndyCar ratings typically decline by 30 percent when the series is up against college and pro football.

Veterans Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe think it could help. After spending three days testing over the past two weeks, they're eager to get started even though IndyCar's first race won't be until March 29.