The current NTT IndyCar Series calendar is limited to North America, however the series has previously held events outside the continent.
Japan IndyCar had a rather long history of racing in Japan. The series exclusively raced in Twin Ring Motegi, located in the Tochigi Prefecture.
From 1996 until 2010 IndyCar raced on Motegi’s 1.5 mile oval. One of the most renowned races at the Motegi oval was the 2008 Indy Japan 300. Helio Castroneves started on pole and Danica Patrick took victory lane, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race.
Races at the Motegi oval would eventually terminate owing to many issues. The Tohoku earthquake in 2011 caused major damage to the track, forcing the series to race at the road course. To this day, the oval is not functional.
The 2011 road course event would be the last time IndyCar raced in Japan. Honda eventually pulled the plug due to economic troubles and the series’ dwindling popularity at the time.
Australia
Like Japan, IndyCar has a lengthy history of racing in Australia. The series played on the gorgeous oceanfront Surfer’s Paradise street circuit in Queensland from 1991 until 2008.
The Gold Coast Indy 300 began as part of the CART IndyCar World Series season. Its fast-sweeping parts and challenging chicanes were a superb match for the turbocharged V8 CART vehicles.
One of the most noteworthy races at Surfers occurred in 1993 where 1992 Formula 1 champ Nigel Mansell grabbed victory lane. The very rainy 2002 race was also remarkable because of a dramatic nine-car pileup at the start.
Failed discussions between the Queensland government and IndyCar would mark the end of the series’ stint “down under.”
With current IndyCar’s concentrate in North America, it seems unlikely that it will be going back to Australia any time soon.
Brazil
Brazil’s history of hosting IndyCar is an interesting one. Unlike Japan and Australia where it was just one circuit and one circuit, Brazil had two different races.
IndyCar’s first action in Brazil came back in the CART days. They competed at the Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway, a 1.864-mile quad-oval located in west Rio de Janeiro. This event was conducted from 1996 to 2000 and featured wins from the likes of Paul Tracy, Greg Moore, and Juan Pablo Montoya.
A decade later, the series returned to Brazil with the São Paulo street circuit. The São Paulo Indy 300 was on the calendar from 2010 until 2013.
This 2.5-mile circuit located in the famous Santana area was dominated by Will Power. The two-time series champion won three times in a row(2010,2011,2012.)
Arguably the most famous São Paulo Indy 300 came in 2013 when James Hinchcliffe won in the last corner, on the last lap. It was probably one of the craziest race finishes in IndyCar history.
Will IndyCar race internationally again?
IndyCar hasn’t raced outside of North America since 2013. The greatest reason for that is money. Racing in a different region of the world is a big financial and logistical challenge for IndyCar and the teams.
As of late, the closest IndyCar has been to an overseas race was only conversations. Penske Entertainment, who own IndyCar, visited Argentina and explored a prospective non-championship race at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. The sport has exploded in Argentina since Augustine Canapino signed with Juncos Hollinger.
Much to the displeasure of drivers like Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, and Scott McLaughlin, who have actively lobbied for foreign races to return, it is likely not going to happen.
At the end of the day, money talks. Until all the stars align financially and logistically, IndyCar will remain in North America alone.
Posted in IndyCarTagged Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, IndyCar, James Hinchcliffe, NTT Data IndyCar Series
