Aug. 31 newsstand

Today's news
Detroit News: MIS might return to expanded IRL schedule
While the schedule is pretty much set for 2008 (it looks like there will be 17 races, with a "new market" as a replacement for Michigan), 2009 is open. IRL PR guru John Griffin hints at adding races, which might be step No. 1 at luring Michigan back.

Says John Griffin: "Long-term, we're going to expand our schedule, and to do that, we're going to have to start earlier and end later by moving some things around, so I certainly think the opportunity is there. We may have more to say about that by Saturday."

Saturday, BTW, is when Brian Barnhart and Terry Angstadt are to address the assembled media, and apparently might be discussing scheduling. Reading between the lines, I'm wondering if Champ Car venues like Long Beach & Edmonton are two of the races on the "expansion" list.

Speaking of venues, Daytona is not on the 2008 calendar as a testing venue.

DGP news
Weekend schedule

Detroit Free Press: Dixon not happy with driving tactics
Says Scott about the points race: "The unfortunate part is that there are two races to go. You can lose (the title) just as easily as win it."

Toledo Blade: Castroneves' climb began in Detroit
Helio on running on the streets: "On a street course, you don't have much room for mistakes. If you go a little bit deep on the exit of a turn, and if something happens, the margin of error is much smaller. Plus, because of the walls, it gives you the impression you're in a narrow area, so it's very different."

Florida Today: Castroneves dances with a title and the stars

IndyCar.com: Gil de Ferran returns for the weekend
Asked if his future plans might include the IRL, Gil said "I've learned you never say never."

Scotsman.com: Dario bids to put wheels in motion in Detroit
Says Dario: "This weekend, though, we have to make everything count. We have to work together as a team and ensure we head to the final race a week later in Chicago in a winning position."

Detroit Free Press: Herta likes switch to ALMS
An event notebook catches up with former AGR IndyCar driver Bryan Herta.

Detroit News: A crash course of the DGP
Some storylines to watch this weekend

Defiance Crescent-News: IndyCar Series heads to Motown
The Sam Hornish Jr. update from the hometown paper.

Meet the NIMBYs: Supporters & whiners in the DFP's letters to the editor section

The Detroit Free Press' Eric Sharp gets the ride of his life, courtesy of the two-seater

And finally
Former Indy 500 starter Johnny Parsons is shooting to run at Springfield this weekend.

Roger Penske is attempting to build a test track in Mooresville, N.C.