IndyCar: Brazilian promoter announces event cancellation

ABOVE: Only yesterday, this shot of construction work on the new Brazilian IndyCar circuit was posted on Twitter by IndyCar consultant Tony Cotman's NZRConsulting group. But now...

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RACER is continuing to gather facts, but according to Terracap, the government agency that owns the Autodromo International Nelson Piquet circuit that was scheduled to host the Verizon IndyCar Series season opener on March 8, the event has been canceled.

The decision to cancel the event was apparently made in response to ongoing local financial troubles.

"The track sold out all their hospitality, were delighted with ticket sales – sold 2/3rd of all seats with a month to go and there was really enthusiastic response from the fans," IndyCar boss Mark Miles told RACER. "It's a shame, it has nothing to do with the Verizon IndyCar Series, and we were all looking forward to a great start to the year in Brazil. There's an appetite for our series in Brazil."

The loss of the Brazilian round will not impact the financial support for the paddock, according to Miles. "Without going into details, it won't change the Leader Circle distribution for our stakeholders," he confirmed.

Provided the event remains canceled, it would significantly alter the off-season test plans for IndyCar teams. The series has introduced aero kits for 2015 – original bodywork created by engine manufacturers Chevy and Honda, and had scheduled their first appearance in competition for St. Petersburg, the round following Brazil.

Private testing has been conducted by many teams with their spec 2014 Dallara bodywork in preparation for its final use at Brazil, but with Brazil off the calendar, the shortened, 16-race season would kick off with aero kits in place. Aero kits delivery has been schedule for no later than March 1, yet with this twist, it could lead Chevy and Honda to accelerate the timeline for their distribution and use.

A pending announcement from the series should provide additional clarity on the situation.