IndyCar->ke1559 will expand to include a new race in Boston for the 2016 season, the series' governing body announced earlier this month. The first ever Indy race to be contested in the area will take place on September 4th (Labor Day weekend) on a 2.25-mile temporary street course consisting of 11 turns. It will be staged at least until 2020. The Grand Prix of Boston will thus become the fifth IndyCar event on a street course, joining those in St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Detroit and Toronto.

"The level of enthusiasm we have received from the Boston community has been phenomenal and we look forward to showcasing the Verizon IndyCar Series on Labor Day weekend in 2016," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co, the parent company of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The temporary street course will feature "at least six passing spots," according to IndyCar president Derrick walker, as well as parallel pit lanes and a section that runs under a hotel complex, two unique features for an Indy track.

The Grand Prix of Boston is the fourth race confirmed for the 2016 IndyCar Series season as of May 2015. The other three are the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, and the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The full schedule is expected to include at least 16 venues.

Continue reading to learn more about the Grand Prix Of Boston.

Why it matters

Part of IndyCar's strategy to establish Indy racing in the Northeast, the Grand Prix of Boston should become a great economic engine for the city on a weekend not many tourists travel to "The Hub." The event will provide a full weekend of racing,->ke447 with qualifying and support series races on September 2nd and practice runs and more support series races on September 3rd. On- and off-course events throughout the weekend should also keep the city busy and draw motorsport enthusiasts from neighboring areas.