IndyCar drops bid for '26 Mexico race due to World Cup impact / Photo: Chris Graythen - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
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IndyCar drops bid for '26 Mexico race due to World Cup impact
IndyCar has given up on staging a race next year in Mexico City due to the impact of Mexico's co-host role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials announced Saturday.
The US-based series wanted to stage a race next summer at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but couldn't sort out a schedule spot amid Mexico's role as World Cup co-host with Canada and the United States.
"For more than a year, we have been working diligently to bring the Indy Car series to Mexico City," Penske Entertainment Corporation president and chief executive officer Mark Miles said.
"While extensive progress was made alongside the venue's operating group and our potential promoter, ultimately the significant impact of next year's World Cup proved too challenging to ensure a successful event given the available summer dates."
IndyCar has yet to announce its schedule for 2026 races, other than the Indianapolis 500 being set for May 24.
"While we absolutely want to race in Mexico, we also want to ensure everyone involved feels the conditions are in place to plan a world-class and highly engaging race weekend," Miles said.
"We will keep working to bring our racing to Mexico and hope for an event to be on the schedule as soon as the right opportunity presents itself."
P.Nabil--CdE
