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Open-wheel racing was so big in Michigan that MIS once held oval and road-course races in the same season in the early ’80s, the same time period when a Formula One event was being held on the streets of downtown Detroit.

Now, there will be no chance to see a fence-climbing victory celebration by Penske driver Helio Castroneves, who introduced his famous fence climb on Belle Isle in 2000 and 2001.

The Belle Isle race this past Labor Day had its share of excitement, with Castroneves trying to stay in contention for the series championship with points leader Scott Dixon.

Dixon gave fans a surprise with his decision to pit early, which ultimately cost him a chance at victory and opened the door for Castroneves to close in on the points race.

Castroneves, leading late in the race, was called for a controversial blocking penalty, leading to the surprise victory by rookie Justin Wilson. The three-day race weekend brought in approximately 100,000 fans.

So where does that leave the series in regard to a state and city known for its automotive industry? Detroit Grand Prix race officials want to bring the event back in 2010, but will the economic climate be any better next year?

MIS President Roger Curtis said there is a possibility he will be giving IRL officials a call, but will they listen?

Open-wheel racing was at its high point at MIS during Memorial Day weekend in 1996, when CART boycotted the Indy 500 and ran the U.S. 500 before more than 110,000 fans. Attendance dwindled to 30,000-50,000 during the final events run at the two-mile superspeedway.

“They (IRL) told us when they left they weren’t excited about running on high speed ovals,” Curtis said of IRL’s departure from MIS. “We always wanted to keep open-wheel racing. I think it’s sad we no longer have it in our state.

“I feel badly for Roger (Penske) because I know he wanted to keep the momentum going from the Super Bowl. As a businessman I understand why they did what they did. It’s a reflection of what’s going on with the economy as a whole.”

Could the Labor Day race be held at MIS Sept. 6?

“I have to huddle up with our team and discuss the possibility,” Curtis said. “It definitely warrants a phone call to the IRL.”

MIS will hold NASCAR races June 14 and Aug. 16. The 18-race IRL schedule consisted of 10 oval races and eight on road or street courses. Now, just seven will be held on road or street courses.

In a statement Friday, Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the IRL, said the series will be looking into the possibility of filling the void left by the Detroit Grand Prix.

“Any decision on what we might do with a valuable asset like a Labor Day race weekend either short- or long-term will not be decided upon quickly,” Angstadt said. “This is unfortunate news, but something that Roger Penske and his group have kept us abreast of for some time. The people of Detroit welcomed the IndyCar Series with impressive crowds the past two years and we support the Detroit Grand Prix’s efforts for a possible return in 2010.”