IndyCar Franchise Model: EU

I used to talk about IndyCar traveling across the globe to challenge tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps (FRA), Rockingham (UK), and Silverstone (UK). However, lately, I tend to agree with the camp that prefers an IndyCar that primarily races within timezones amenable to the U.S. market. 

That said, I’ve been tossing around an idea that, initially, was crucified by IndyCar fans, across the board. In most cases, I believe, many simply misunderstood the nature of my proposal. And here it is…

IndyCarEU

To Mark Miles, I propose a model of IndyCar expansion, that allows IndyCar, in the U.S., to remain where it is, whilst broadening the IndyCar brand, across the globe: franchising IndyCar, and its national series business model, to the world. First step: The European Union. 

Europe is known for its love of motorsport, specifically open-wheel racing, sports/touring cars, and super bikes. It does not have its own career open-wheel racing series. Some may consider F1 the EU’s open-wheel racing series by default, but there are so many more tracks and countries within the EU that do not host Formula 1 races. Those heritage and non-F1 approved tracks are a market that IndyCar could fill, depending on, among other things, demand, and EU regulatory considerations. 

In my mind, a career series, like IndyCar, that has tackled the issues of cost to teams/tracks/venues/fans, could be a very attractive franchise proposition, that could well serve European tracks, defunct open-wheel teams from Formula V8, and even as a quasi-feeder series/holding area for F1 hopefuls, similar to what Pierre Gasly did in Super Formula (JPN), but in the EU.

This type of national open-wheel racing franchise model places the administration, promotion, and marketing/PR in the hands of those who understand the market/laws best, while IndyCar maintains control of the sporting and technical regulations, and universal chassis and aerokit design (if IndyCar continues as a spec chassis/aerokit series). And most importantly, fans/drivers/teams/owners/sponsors/tracks/OEMs in the EU could take ownership of their very own IndyCar championship. It could be the impetus behind a renovation of the oval at Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK, and bolster the use, and profile, of the Tri-Oval EuroSpeedway Lausitz (Lausitzring) in Brandenburg, Germany. 

The final element of this proposal is the enhanced connection European fans would have to the Indianapolis 500, as their teams/drivers challenge to qualify, on Bump Day. Who knows, IMS could be faced with a fortunate conundrum of adding more seats. 

While this is MUCH easier said than done, and would be an overwhelming prospect for their infrastructure, I think it’s worth Mark Miles and IndyCar’s consideration, for the upcoming formula change in 2021.