» IndyCars: Motegi to have swansong race

The IndyCar Series has announced that this year’s round at the Motegi circuit in Japan will be the venue’s last opportunity to host a round of that championship.

The announcement sees the end of a nine-year spell at the Twin Ring circuit, which is slated to hold its last-ever IndyCar race on September 18.

“We’ve enjoyed a great run at Twin Ring Motegi and thank our friends at Mobilityland and Honda Japan for hosting a great event over the past eight years,” said Terry Angstadt, who heads up IndyCar’s commercial division.

“While our businesses move in different directions, we will keep the door open for future events at the track.

The Motegi circuit first held an IndyCar race in 2003 – won by Scott Sharp – and it is also the venue for Danica Patrick’s maiden, and so far sole, IndyCar Series win in 2007.

Angstadt has cited TV viewer demand as one of the principal reasons for the shelving of the event.

“As the IndyCar Series continue to evaluate their long-term plans, we must look to build the sport and its viewership,” he added.

“We believe it is important that the final few events on our schedule give us the opportunity to be broadcast live during times that maximise our viewing audience as we build up to the championship.

“We will continue to meet with promoters domestically and internationally that want to pursue an IndyCar Series event.”

[Original image via LAT]