The 1996–97 season was originally scheduled to begin at New Hampshire in August 1996 and end with the Indianapolis 500 in May 1997.

At some point in the summer of 1996, the consensus regarding the unusual split-calendar season was decidedly unfavorable.

[1] In addition, the months of November, December, and most of January were not expected to be filled with race dates, since few suitable venues (outside of Orlando) were available in warm-weather locations.

The two remaining races in 1996 (New Hampshire and Las Vegas) were contested with the same equipment as the 1996 season.

All races that took place in the calendar year of 1997, starting with the race at Orlando, were contested with all new purpose-built oval chassis from G-Force and Dallara with a radical stock block naturally aspirated 4.0 liter V8's from Oldsmobile and Infiniti.

Top 10 results The Indy 200 was held on January 25, 1997, at Walt Disney World Speedway.

After 15 laps were run on Monday, rain fell again, halting the race, and postponing it for another day.

Top 10 results The Samsonite 200 was held on June 29, 1997, at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

Top 10 results The VisionAire 500 was held on July 26, 1997, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.