IndyCar News: Series talking to Cleveland about possible street race

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is actively exploring the possibility of bringing an IndyCar race back to the streets of downtown crime-ridden Cleveland for the first time since 2007, the organization confirmed to 3News on Tuesday in a story written by Justin McMullen.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

“Hosting an event of IndyCar’s caliber is an exciting prospect for our region,” the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission stated to 3News. “We are committed to attracting world-class events that inspire our community, drive significant visitor spending, and create substantial economic impact across Greater Cleveland.”

According to Sports Business Journal, the commission recently surveyed Northeast Ohio business and civic leaders to gauge interest in a downtown Cleveland race and their willingness to support its organization and sponsorship.

Downtown Safety a Real Concern

The shift to a street circuit raises questions about safety, particularly given ongoing concerns over crime in the city’s core. Cleveland’s overall crime rate remains among the highest in the nation, with a combined violent and property crime rate of 64 per 1,000 residents—far exceeding the U.S. average.

Violent crime, including assaults and robberies, stands at about 1 in 59 chance of victimization citywide, with downtown areas seeing elevated incidents of theft, drug-related issues, and occasional violence. Recent data from the Cleveland Police Department shows a slight uptick in reported incidents downtown over the past three years, prompting calls from some lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Max Miller, for enhanced security measures like National Guard deployment.

Community feedback highlights worries over vagrancy and property crimes, though many residents report feeling relatively safe during daytime hours in high-traffic zones.

For a high-profile event like an IndyCar race, organizers would likely implement robust security protocols, including increased police presence, temporary barriers, and event-specific patrols—similar to those used for major festivals like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies or the city’s annual parade.

The original Cleveland Grand Prix’s history offers a cautionary tale on fan interest. While the event drew strong crowds in its early years—peaking at 100,000 to 150,000 attendees over three days in the 1990s and contributing $30–50 million to the local economy annually—attendance began to wane by the mid-2000s amid broader challenges in open-wheel racing.

IndyCar’s senior director of communications, Kate Davis, confirmed to 3News that discussions about a Cleveland event are underway. “We are evaluating the opportunity, and positive conversations have taken place,” Davis said via email.