News Summary
Cleveland is exploring the return of professional open-wheel auto racing by potentially hosting an IndyCar race in downtown by 2028. This would be the first such event since 2007, with discussions already underway between the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and IndyCar officials. A survey is being conducted to gauge interest among local leaders, aiming to generate community support and sponsorship. The GCSC views the race as an opportunity for local economic growth, with projected financial impacts exceeding $100 million annually.
Cleveland is considering the return of professional open-wheel auto racing by potentially hosting an IndyCar race in downtown by 2028, as confirmed by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC). This would mark the first instance of the sport being featured in the city since 2007. The GCSC is actively evaluating the opportunity to stage the race on the streets of downtown Cleveland rather than the previously utilized Burke Lakefront Airport.
Positive discussions have already occurred between the GCSC and officials from IndyCar regarding the proposed event. The anticipated timeframe for the race could range from as early as 2027 to 2028. Additionally, the GCSC has initiated a survey targeting Northeast Ohio leaders to assess interest and gather support for the potential race, which includes initiatives to acquire sponsorship and organizational backing from local business and civic leaders.
Cleveland successfully hosted open-wheel racing from 1982 until 2007. During that time, it was part of the CART and Champ Car series, predecessors to the current IndyCar format. Although the city had extended its agreement to host events until 2012, it did not return to the schedule after the unification of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League. The GCSC views the potential IndyCar race as a significant opportunity to spur local economic growth. Estimated financial impacts could exceed $100 million annually for the area.
Other noteworthy sporting events have recently taken place in Cleveland, including the NFL draft, two All-Star games, and the Women’s Final Four, showcasing the city’s capability to host major sporting occasions. Given these events, local officials, especially the GCSC, are hoping to re-establish Cleveland as a vibrant location for high-profile auto racing.
Roger Penske, a Shaker Heights native, currently owns IndyCar, which operates under the umbrella of Penske Entertainment Corporation. Additionally, though IndyCar maintains a presence with an annual race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course located in Lexington, Ohio, the GCSC’s focus on downtown Cleveland highlights a desire to reinvigorate excitement within the city for open-wheel racing.
As of now, city officials have not formally engaged in the ongoing discussions concerning the potential race, and the mayor’s office has not provided a response to requests for comment. However, David Gilbert, who serves concurrently as the president of the GCSC and Destination Cleveland, has indicated a willingness from IndyCar to negotiate a possible return to Cleveland.
The prospect of hosting an IndyCar event stands to not only reintroduce thrilling motorsports to downtown Cleveland but also may serve as a catalyst for community engagement, tourism, and local economic benefit by drawing racing fans from across the region. As plans advance, the GCSC emphasizes the importance of determining local interest levels to lay the groundwork for the race’s successful execution.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- WKYC
- Sports Business Journal
- Crain’s Cleveland
- Cleveland.com
- Wikipedia: IndyCar Series
- Google Search: IndyCar return to Cleveland
- Google Scholar: IndyCar event Cleveland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: IndyCar
- Google News: IndyCar racing Cleveland
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