The legendary Ayrton Senna's legacy is gearing up to make a mark in IndyCar, thanks to Roger Penske's push on getting São Paulo back on the map in this category.

Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, and the category’s logistics director, Bill van de Sandt, visited the Ayrton Senna International Racetrack on April 10. The track and its facilities have received positive feedback. 

This comes after the circuit, based in Goiânia, successfully hosted the MotoGP in 2026. The event generated a whopping r$ 1.14 billion, which is a little over $219 million. And, more than 100,000 people came to attend the race.

Roger Penske has been eyeing the expansion of IndyCar outside the U.S. since last year. With Goiânia being the sole Latin American host for the MotoGP, they are now making their case to break into IndyCar as well. The Ayrton Senna Circuit has undergone a lot of redevelopment to host such big events.

If Penske and Co. manage to secure a deal with the Brazilian racetrack, it will be a seminal moment. The last time IndyCar had a banner in the circuit was in 2013.

Apart from this major development, Penske has also secured another huge win within the USA.

Roger Penske is a longtime friend of the US President, Donald Trump. Thanks to their efforts, IndyCar will be coming to Washington DC, in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America's Independence. That should translate in Penske Entertainment's efforts in breaking into the South America.

IndyCar Has Previously Been Unsuccessful in Going to Latin America

IndyCar's international footprint has lately been restricted only to Canada. And fans have long wanted for the event to broaden it's horizon.

IndyCar has tried to get into Argentina and Mexico in the past, but neither of those deals has panned out. But Goiânia seems to be optimistic.

"We are excited and optimistic about the possibility of bringing another major sporting event to Goiás," Governor Daniel Vilela, who received the IndyCar delegation at the Circuit, said. "This means more job creation and financial activity for our state. We will strive to advance negotiations to hold the IndyCar race in Goiânia as early as 2027."

Can Roger Penske's efforts finally allow Penske Entertainment to tap into this exciting market? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Afreen Kabir