Overheard in Long Beach – 7 (Mexico City)

UPDATE #2 Indy Racing League officials were in Mexico City early this week to look at a possible location for a race there, which could be held as early as 2009. It may have to be pushed to 2010, depending on scheduling conflicts, but IRL officials are bullish on the market south of the border.

And Mexico City isn’t the only market in Mexico the IRL is considering, said sources within the league. If things can’t be worked out to bring a race to Mexico City, IRL officials have indicated they have other options in Mexico, which has a growing motorsports following and a solid corporate sponsorship base. The IRL is hoping to get everything worked out to make an announcement by mid-July about its plans in Mexico.

There are a number of markets worldwide the IRL is considering expanding into, but team and series officials have concerns about escalating expenses that go along with a longer season. Series officials also want to assure each new market has the infrastructure and marketing muscle to help the IRL grow.

So, do you think Mexico City is a good market for the IRL? And are there other cities south of the border where you think the IRL can flourish? IBJ.com

05/08/08 Mexican driver Mario Dominguez, whose Pacific Coast Motorsports car is sponsored by his home country, said the official tourism group from Mexico City will be at the track this weekend to meet with Indy Racing League officials about a possible IndyCar Series race next year in Mexico City. Indy Star [Editor's Note: AutoRacing1.com has been running a poll on our home page as to which Champ Car races should be added to the IndyCar schedule in 2009. Here are the results to-date.]

04/20/08 Mario Dominguez listed his top-5 favorite road and street circuits in Champ Car that should be part of the IRL and mentioned in doing so that he thought Mexico City was looking good for next year…….The IRL's Fred Nation said that the series could not be happier with the way the season has started with transition driver Graham Rahal winning in St. Pete, a safe race in Homestead and Danica Patrick winning her first race in Motegi and Will Power winning here in Long Beach. "This is the bright future of open wheel racing in North America."……Jimmy Vasser refused to say this would be his last race ever. "Never say never," said Vasser and he even hinted he might like to have another go at the Indy 500.