V8 Supercars’ US vision much bigger than Texas

THE V8 raid on North America is set to expand with V8 Supercars negotiating to add another event to Texas.

With US fans flocking to the Circuit of Americas in Austin yesterday to see the race marketed as the ‘‘Aussie Invasion’’, the Mercury can reveal V8 Supercars officials have held talks with several track promoters about bringing a second race to North America, with California and New York possible destinations for the FIA’s internationally sanctioned category.

Mexico and Canada are also possible destinations to host what would become the second leg of a Northern American double header.

V8 Supercars director of international business, Adam Firth, confirmed he had been in discussions with several promoters and that a second race in America to compliment Austin was at the top of the sport’s international expansion plan.

‘‘The market obviously makes sense because we have manufacturer interest, there is a motorsport culture and there is a good synergy between Australia and America,’’ Firth said.

‘‘It also makes sense from an economic perspective because it reduces the freight and travel costs.

‘‘It is something that is very high on our agenda.’’

Firth said he would stay on in the US this week to ramp up talks with parties interested in hosting V8 Supercars.

‘‘I have been in talks with several circuits,’’ Firth said.

‘‘And they will become more of a focus now. I have appointments all around this country in the next couple of weeks.

‘‘So far it as all been positive – a couple have even approached Firth said.

It is understood that a new event could be added as soon as next year.

‘‘The focus first was to get this event right and then look at these other things.

‘‘We are going to have an easier time selling ourselves to another circuit if this event is a success.’’

Firth yesterday ruled out racing a NASCARstyle oval track and said V8s would only consider

us,’’ what Americans call road tracks.

‘‘We have no desire to go into ovals,’’ Firth said.

‘‘Beyond that we are an open book. We will look at all options and there are several candidates.’’

V8 Supercars have an FIA sanctioned licence to hold six events outside Australia and New Zealand, but is restricted from racing in Europe.

Austin is currently the only race outside Australia and New Zealand.