IndyCar and Brazil: Potential Comeback in 2027

In a significant step toward reviving IndyCar racing in one of its historic international markets, a delegation from Penske Entertainment (the parent company of the NTT IndyCar Series) visited Brazil’s Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia (pictured) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The visit signals growing momentum for a potential return of the series to South America as early as 2027, building on the track’s successful recent hosting of the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Led by Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, the group included IndyCar’s director of logistics Bill van de Sandt and Latin America representatives Willy Herrmann and Carlo Gancia. They were warmly received by Goiás state Governor Daniel Vilela and First Lady Iara Vilela, along with executives from Brazilian broadcaster Band, which holds IndyCar television rights in the country. The day began with a lunch meeting before the group toured the circuit’s facilities, evaluating infrastructure, logistics, and overall readiness to host an open-wheel event.

Governor Vilela presented detailed data on the economic impact of the recent MotoGP weekend (March 20–22, 2026), which drew approximately 150,000 fans and marked the premier motorcycle series’ return to Brazil after more than two decades. He emphasized the potential for job creation, increased economic activity, and heightened international visibility for the state of Goiás. “We are excited and optimistic about the possibility of bringing another major sporting event to Goiás. This means more job creation and economic activity for our state,” Vilela stated.

Track Ready for the Spotlight After Major Upgrades

The Ayrton Senna International Circuit (also known as Goiânia Raceway) is a 3.835 km (2.383 mi) permanent road course featuring 14 turns that blend fast straights with technical, sweeping corners. Originally opened in 1974 and renamed in honor of the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 champion, the venue underwent a multi-million-dollar modernization ahead of the 2026 MotoGP event. Upgrades included new pit buildings and VIP boxes, full pavement resurfacing, a new control room and medical center, expanded escape areas, reinforced safety barriers, and layout tweaks to meet international standards. The circuit now holds homologation from major sanctioning bodies, positioning it as a viable candidate for high-level series like IndyCar.

The recent MotoGP race, despite minor surface challenges from heavy rain and bike traffic, demonstrated the track’s ability to handle large crowds with strong security and organization—key factors highlighted during the IndyCar assessment. State officials view the autodrome as a year-round multi-sport hub, and the visit focused heavily on how the existing infrastructure could accommodate IndyCar’s unique demands, including heavier cars and different tire compounds.

A Long-Awaited Homecoming

Brazil has a rich history with IndyCar. The series raced on São Paulo street circuits from 2010 to 2013, delivering thrilling events that showcased drivers like Will Power and featured dramatic moments such as James Hinchcliffe’s 2013 victory. Earlier, a one-off race took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1996. Plans for a return in the mid-2010s (including a proposed Brasília opener) ultimately fell through due to financial and political hurdles, leaving Brazilian fans without a home race for over a decade.

The push for 2027 comes amid renewed interest from Brazilian media and promoters. Broadcaster Band has been actively working behind the scenes to secure a race, with two cities reportedly offering to host (Goiânia emerging as the frontrunner and one other location remaining undisclosed). The timing aligns perfectly with rising local interest: Brazilian driver Caio Collet is competing full-time in the 2026 IndyCar season with AJ Foyt Racing, providing a hometown hero narrative that could boost attendance and TV ratings.

What Comes Next?

While no formal announcement or contract has been signed, the visit marks the beginning of serious negotiations. IndyCar officials left impressed with the facilities and the state government’s commitment, but any decision will hinge on detailed logistical planning, cost-sharing, and calendar fit within the growing international schedule.

For fans in Brazil and the global IndyCar community, the prospect of high-speed oval-style road racing returning to the country—potentially on a clockwise layout that could deliver close, action-packed battles—is exciting. With MotoGP’s proven success as a blueprint and strong governmental backing, Goiânia could soon join an elite list of international venues hosting America’s premier open-wheel series.

Stay tuned as discussions continue. A 2027 IndyCar race in Brazil would not only reconnect the series with a passionate fan base but also open new commercial and sporting opportunities in one of motorsport’s most storied nations.

Miles Fishing Trips

Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment (and IndyCar’s parent company), has made several high-profile international trips to evaluate potential new or returning venues for the NTT IndyCar Series. These exploratory visits—often called “fishing trips” in fan and media circles—aim to gauge infrastructure, logistics, government support, and commercial viability. However, not every scouting mission has led to a race on the calendar.

Below is a comprehensive list of all documented foreign venues where Mark Miles personally visited or led a delegation specifically to assess IndyCar racing potential, but no IndyCar race has ever occurred (or returned) there as a result. This is based on verified reports from 2013 onward, when Miles took the helm at Hulman & Co./Penske Entertainment. I’ve excluded:

– Venues where IndyCar already raced before his visits (e.g., prior São Paulo events).
– General media or business trips without confirmed track tours.
– Ongoing negotiations without a confirmed personal site visit by Miles himself.

1. Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Visit: November 2018 (Mark Miles and IndyCar VP Stephen Starks flew to the Gold Coast for direct talks with Queensland government officials and promoters).
Context: IndyCar last raced the Surfers Paradise street circuit in 2008. The 2018 trip was to explore a potential return as early as 2020, focusing on logistics, economic impact, and fan interest in a high-profile street race.
Outcome: Extensive discussions occurred, but no deal was finalized. No IndyCar race has returned to Australia since the visit. The venue remains a popular former stop but has not hosted the series again.

2. Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Visit: March 2023 (Mark Miles personally toured the track, accompanied by Penske VP Michael Montri, circuit consultant Tony Cotman, and local hosts including Ricardo Juncos of Juncos Hollinger Racing).
Context: Following demonstration runs by Juncos Hollinger Racing and Argentine driver Agustín Canapino, the group evaluated the 4.8 km road course (a proven international venue that has hosted MotoGP and WTCR) for a potential championship or non-points exhibition race. Strong local fan interest and government backing were highlighted.
Outcome: Initial optimism led to further talks (including a possible 2024 postseason exhibition), but plans were officially shelved by early 2024 due to scheduling, sponsorship, and logistical challenges. No IndyCar race has ever been held at Termas de Río Hondo.

3. Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna (Goiânia Raceway), Goiás, Brazil

Visit: April 10, 2026 (Mark Miles led the delegation with IndyCar logistics director Bill van de Sandt and Latin America reps; met with Governor Daniel Vilela and broadcaster Band executives).
Context: Full-day tour of the upgraded 3.835 km permanent road course (fresh off hosting MotoGP) to assess infrastructure, safety, and economic impact for a potential 2027 championship round. This would mark IndyCar’s first visit to this specific venue.
Outcome (as of April 14, 2026): No contract signed yet; discussions are ongoing. No IndyCar race has ever occurred at Goiânia. This remains an active “fishing trip” with strong momentum but no confirmed event.

Notable Mentions (Close but Not Confirmed Personal Venue Visits by Miles)

– Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City: Multiple IndyCar delegations have scouted the track in recent years, and Miles has publicly referenced past exploratory work. He has stated plans to visit personally in the near term (as of late 2025). No race has materialized (2026 plans blocked by FIFA World Cup logistics), and no confirmed on-site visit by Miles himself appears in public records.
– Other rumored sites (Europe 2017 media tour, potential Middle East/China talks, Motegi Japan, Adelaide): Miles or officials engaged in discussions, but no documented personal track inspections tied to race planning that fit the criteria.

These trips reflect IndyCar’s repeated (and often frustrated) push for sustainable international expansion under Miles since 2013. While some have come close, economic, scheduling, political, or sponsorship hurdles have repeatedly intervened. The Goiânia visit is the most recent example and could still break the pattern if 2027 talks succeed.

If new details emerge on additional visits (or if Goiânia progresses), the list can be updated. These remain the only fully confirmed “fishing trips” where Mark Miles was on the ground at the venue and no race ever resulted