"90% There"
By Andrew Cutler
June 30 2009
Terry Angstadt, the president of the IRL's commercial division, has been making alot of trips to Brazil lately, and for a very good reason. Angstadt is working in conjunction with series ethanol provider APEX-Brazil and various government agencies to add a new international venue to the schedule.
"I'm 90 per cent there," Terry said this past Saturday. "It's that close, but we don't confirm them until they're signed. They have a sanctioning agreement in their hands, so they've got the documents."
With five Brazilian drivers in the IndyCar ranks (Castroneves, Kanaan, Matos, Meira & Moraes), the race would seem to be a natural fit. Also, the fact that it would be summer in Brazil in late March seems to suggest that a race there could prove to be the new season opener.
The apparant last issue to be delt with is to select an actual venue. Angstadt said that a street course is the most probable option. He did not specify whether or not the IRL is looking to add the race to the schedule for next year.