[HJJ]

IndyCar is now officially in Plan B for completing its 2012 schedule.

Sanctioning body officials confirmed today that the Aug. 19 race in Qingdao, China, has been canceled. IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said last weekend that “politics” keyed the issue.

Qingdao has a new mayor since IndyCar consummated a deal last November. The event was to be held on the same weekend as the Qingdao International Beer Festival.

Bernard said the promoter canceled the race. IndyCar is keeping open the possibility of racing in China in the future, he said.

Bernard said he has a backup plan for a replacement race, something that needs to happen to keep IndyCar in good standing with several contracts. The minimum number of races in a season is 16; the loss of China leaves the series with just 15.

Bernard said it’s possible the replacement race happens after the Sept. 15 race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

The possibilities include races at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., Pocono Raceway and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

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