It's time to order the 747 cargo planes. A first-ever IZOD IndyCar Series race in China will join the international lineup of events for 2012, INDYCAR announced today.

The IZOD IndyCar Series will race Aug. 19 on a 3.87-mile street circuit in Qingdao – a Yellow Sea coastal city of 8.7 million between Beijing and Shanghai that played host to the 2008 Summer Olympics Sailing competition.

“As the world global economy continues to grow and evolve, China, the world’s second-largest economy, has become a top priority with most American businesses and the sponsors that are committed to INDYCAR,” INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard said. “Last year, at our sponsorship summit, China was the No. 1 place our sponsors wanted to go outside of the United States.

“We are very excited and truly grateful for the full support of the Chinese Government, Qingdao City Government and related Government Bureaus in providing the opportunity to bring the IZOD IndyCar Series to China. We are committed to doing our part in making this a fantastic race event weekend to be seen on the world stage.”

The race will be contested on a temporary street circuit, with the long-term objective of constructing a permanent racing and entertainment venue. Known for its German and French heritage, Qingdao boasts an almost European atmosphere, with the city often referred to as “China’s Switzerland.” The race weekend will coincide with the popular Qingdao International Beer Festival.

Qingdao, in Shandong Province, is the largest container port in China. The world's longest sea bridge (26.4 miles) opened in June and links the main urban area with the Huangdao district.

Tianhou Palace, built in the Ming Dynasty (1467 AD), is the center's most historical structure. With a stage in the front and bell towers and drum towers at both sides, the temple has been developed into the Qingdao Folk Customs Museum.

INDYCAR, through representatives in China, has been in discussions for a few years with governement bureaus about staging a race. China currently plays host to Formula One in mid-April in Shanghai, and for September 2011 added two rounds of the FIA GT1 World Championship in Beijing and Inner Mongolia.

“The China automotive industry is experiencing explosive growth and it is just smart to begin establishing our brand and business roots in the China marketplace,” INDYCAR Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt said. “Over the last three years -- with full support of the Chinese Government, Qingdao City Government and related Government Bureaus -- U.S.-based INDYCAR representative ARD, China race promoter Yinxin Investment, as well as major sponsor Qingdao City Construction Investment Group have worked with our team in the realization of this historic race event.

"We couldn’t be happier for the future Chinese race fans and the extended INDYCAR family.”

INDYCAR also will sanction 2012 international events in Toronto, São Paulo and Edmonton, Alberta.

The 2012 season, which will feature the return of engine manufacturer competition and a new, stylish car, kicks off Sunday, March 25, with the eighth Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, with Pole Day on Saturday, May 19.

The remainder of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, and the 2012 Indy Lights schedule, will be announced soon.