IndyCars speeding ahead with plans to race in Brazil next season

IndyCars taking fast track to Brazil in 2010

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Racing League plans to take advantage of one of its most popular racing venues next season — Brazil.

Terry Angstadt, the series’ commercial division president, has confirmed next year’s season-opener is likely to be run at Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, in March. It is the hometown of three-time Indy winner and former “Dancing With the Stars” champion Helio Castroneves.

Angstadt said Tuesday that details are still being worked out. The race is expected to kick off an 18-race schedule that has nine oval races and nine races on street and road courses in 2010.

The series is also looking to add a race in China in either 2011 or 2012.