Twin IZOD IndyCar Series races on select 2013 event weekends are not a one-year experiment, INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard says.

Doubleheaders are scheduled for the Belle Isle (June 1-2), Toronto (July 13-14) and Houston (Oct. 5-6) street courses as part of the 19-race scheduled announced Sept. 30. Each race will carry full championship points and prize money. Additionally, one of the two races at each venue will incorporate a standing start.

Click it: Looking at 19-race-schedule for 2013

“I think anything we do has to be looked at from the perspective of a long-view strategy,” Bernard said.  “We did it with the understanding that this was definitely a long-term planning, strategic move.

“We think the doubleheaders are good for everyone -- from fans to drivers to our sponsors. We started looking at our entire business model and we started looking at how we could grow our viewership and build exposure for teams and drivers and help sponsors. I think that we picked three great markets to have them in.

“The reason we picked Belle Isle was Roger Penske. He and (event chairman) Bud Denker are investing millions of dollars into repaving that race course and create some more passing zones.  We thought that would be a great place for us.

“We have always seen great racing in Toronto, and the fact that we wanted to have two races in Canada was very important to us, especially with Rogers Sports Network coming on as our Canadian TV partner next year.

“And the last is Houston, the fourth-largest market in the United States.  We felt it was imperative to have a doubleheader there for (race promoter) Mike Lanigan.  We just thought it would be another great place to have a doubleheader.”

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be contested on a 2.07-mile, 14-turn circuit that is currently undergoing a $1 million-plus renovation. Both races from the scenic island will be televised on ABC. The Honda Indy Toronto is held on a 1.75-mile, 11-turn course at Exhibition Place, with both races on the NBC Sports Network. The return of Indy car racing to Houston will feature a 1.7-mile, 10-turn course at Reliant Park. NBC Sports Network will televise both races.

“Since we acquired the race in 2008, our mandate has been to create entertainment and excitement for fans, customers, sponsors, tourism and the local community," said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of event promoter Green Savoree Toronto.

“A doubleheader allows us to go further, faster in the delivery of our mission and offers numerous benefits. We’re extremely excited to make it happen.”

Standing starts will be introduced to IZOD IndyCar Series competition in 2013. At the three doubleheader weekends, one race will be a rolling start while the other will have cars make a few pace laps before staging in rows of two. The order of starting procedure hasn’t been determined.

“It’s so important for us to show how versatile our drivers are,” Bernard said. “We want to make sure we’re giving that little bit of extra for our fans. We’ll have a standing start on one day and a rolling start on the other day. We think it’s another way of showing that versatility.”

The overall schedule, with its mix of short ovals, superspeedways, road courses and street circuits, is the most diverse in motorsports.

“The biggest thing for us is the fact we are going from 15 races to 19 races and continue to showcase the fastest, most versatile race car and race car drivers in the world,” Bernard added.  “I think the schedule this year really allows for that in a big way.”