The IndyCar series may be expanding its international reach.
Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League’s commercial division, told The Associated Press on Sunday that there have been discussions among series officials about adding future races in Brazil and China.
In fact, series officials have already visited both countries to look at potential sites.
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Racing in Brazil makes sense from an economic standpoint for the series because it is the home nation of APEX-Brasil, an Ethanol company that provides the fuel for IndyCars. USA Today
It would also give the series an opportunity to cash in on the popularity of the sport in Brazil. All five Brazilian drivers listed on the entry sheet have already qualified for the May 24 Indianapolis 500, including pole-winner Helio Castroneves.
That could make Brazil a logical race host even though this year’s 17-race schedule already includes two July stops in Canada and a September trip to Motegi, Japan and few breaks from late May until after the Aug. 29 race in Chicago.
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But Angstadt already has a solution.
“If we did that (Brazil), we would probably start our season there because we think we start too late as it is,” Angstadt said. “So we’d be looking at a March date or two and start in Brazil.” Daily Mail - Charleston
China is another potential venue. Like Brazil, it is an emerging economic market, and China has the world’s largest population at 1.3 billion.
Series officials believe opening that market could lead to new sponsorship deals, increase the fan base and, yes, even host a race. The Canadian Press
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