The Indy Racing League might add a second Canadian race next year after Andretti Green Promotions announced Thursday that it has purchased the assets of the Toronto Grand Prix.
Since the unification of America’s two biggest open-wheel series in February, the IRL has added two former Champ Car street courses, in Edmonton and Australia, to this year’s schedule.
Now that Michael Andretti’s company owns the assets to Toronto’s race, the Andretti team is hoping to make it onto the schedule next year.
Financial details of the deal weren’t immediately available.
“As a driver, Toronto was always my favorite race of the year and it will be no different as a promoter,” Andretti said in a written statement. “The fans are some of the most enthusiastic you’ll ever be around and we’re looking forward to building on the great history of this event.”
The series has 18 races this season, and IRL founder Tony George has said he envisions a schedule of 18 to 22 races annually. Toronto is one city the IRL is interested in as a new venue.
“Since unification came along, Toronto is a city we have identified as a potential destination for us,” league spokesman John Griffin said. “We’ve talked to AGR and they have a real understanding of what we need to go forward there, and I think we’ll know more in about 45 days when we’re ready to announce our 2009 schedule.”
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