Optimism rising for IndyCar return to Brazil

The IndyCar Series is speaking with increased confidence regarding a return to race in Brazil.

RACER understands the series has been telling its teams and drivers over the past few weeks to be prepared for a possible trip to the FIA Grade 2-certified road course in Goiania, Brazil, in 2027. To date, Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles has made three trips to meet with circuit officials at Autodromo Ayrton Senna and regional leaders in the state of Goias, where ongoing motivation to bring IndyCar to the 2.4-mile, 14-turn track is held.

The Goiania circuit underwent a complete repaving ahead of hosting the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix in March, but damage done to the new surface by another series required another significant repaving effort to repair the course.

RACER also understands the desire to add a major open-wheel series to the region’s offerings are tied to its current government, and with elections due in 2027, the interest in concluding a deal to bring IndyCar to race at Autodromo Ayrton Senna is somewhat timely with the current leaders facing an unsure future until the election process is completed. With the potential change in governance, completing a deal to include Goiania on next year’s calendar comes with some urgency since it’s unclear whether a new administration would carry the same interest for IndyCar as the existing leaders.

The series’ last international race took place in Brazil in 2013 at Sao Paulo’s Sambadrome and was won by Andretti Autosport’s James Hinchcliffe in a thrilling finish (pictured, top),where today’s FOX Sports IndyCar commentator passed future Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato into the final corner on the last lap and won a drag race to the finish line in what proved to be the Canadian’s second of six career IndyCar victories.