Photo Credit: IndyCar
There are plenty of rumors flying around the net that IndyCar is trying to put together a non-points, non-championship race in China, later in the year. Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway issued the following statement on May 9, 2016.
“For many months, INDYCAR has participated in discussions regarding a non-championship event in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China Miles told Motorsport.com. “If scheduled, this race would occur in October following the conclusion of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season. At this point, arrangements for this event have not been finalized and a number of important issues must be resolved before such an event can be added to the schedule. INDYCAR is pleased with the amount of interest in China and the substantial effort that has been made to try and make this proposed event a reality. We would hope to share any news on whether this event will occur by early June.”
According to a report on Motorsport.com, the race would be called The ‘Beijing Indy 600’ and it would be a non-championship event, which means it would be non-points for the drivers. The event would be held in 2016 just about five or so weeks after the season finale at Sonoma International Raceway.
They are trying to have the event on October 22nd and October 23rd on a 2.56 street course that would be run in the city’s Fengtai District. IndyCar is currently working on the deal with Asia Region Development, whose CEO, Joe Chrnelich was behind the supposed IndyCar event at Quingdao four years ago which fell through.
Beijing currently plays host to the season-opening Formula E race, however IndyCar would not use the same streets if they do end up racing there.
