IndyCar currently runs only one race outside the USA in the form of Canada’s Honda Indy Toronto.
In recent years, however, news has surfaced of a possible return to the international stage.
These eventually faded, and after the Penske acquisition, there were fewer opportunities to tour outside of North America than before.
Kapitány has stated several times that he is mainly focused on promoting the series domestically, so foreign races are not really on his radar.
However, Juncos Hollinger Racing co-owner Ricardo Juncos has come along and from the start has been pushing hard to bring IndyCar home to Argentina.
To this end, in November 2022, the businessman also undertook a large-scale – and hugely successful – show tour of the country with local touring car star Agustín Canapino behind the wheel.
The 32-year-old has since become the team’s full-season IndyCar driver, and at the season-opening round in St. Petersburg, made a more impressive debut after finishing 12th as a near-completed rookie. A track that has tested even the veterans.
In terms of the potential South American race, an Argentine delegation actually visited IndyCar last year, and the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo is considered the most likely location.
The facility currently hosts sports and touring car races, with its biggest event being the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix.
Now there are new developments in the case.
The other day, the series sent a special delegation to the facility, whose members included Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles, Vice President Michael Monterey and track designer Tony Cottman.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the possibility of organizing a future competition.
The last respected American Open Wheel Racing Championship was in Argentina in 1971, still in the USA Touring Car Championship era, with a double round at the Autodromo de Rafael.
province in Argentina (@tweet) says it hosted @tweet CEO Mark Miles today to evaluate the possibility of holding a race there.
🇦🇷: Took a ride at the Termas racetrack in Santiago del Estero. pic.twitter.com/xEzTBIAeQX
– Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 21, 2023
“Driving a race car is like a chainsaw waltz.” – Cale Yarborough
