Champ Car going global (update)

As a follow-up to a previous rumor, word is that in coming years Champ Car will reduce the number of USA race to as little as 4 to 6 as it looks to diversify its portfolio of races by becoming more of a global series. The series will still be predominantly North American based with about 50% of its events on this continent.

Three USA races could eventually be axed to make way for more overseas races in Europe (4), the Middle East (1), Asia (2), and possibly even South Africa (1) where the thirst for open wheel racing hasn't been smothered by NASCAR. If true the challenge ahead for Champ Car will be to land sponsors looking for a global platform, to market the series as a global product and to have a TV package that reaches many more countries than it does today. A1GP has tried this strategy and failed miserably, reportedly losing as much as $200M per year.