Herta excited by Brands race

In 1994, Herta became the first American in over a decade to qualify for the Formula Ford festival final held at the Kent circuit. He reckons the decision to race on the short Indy circuit will help create extra passing opportunities.

"Just what CART needs," said Herta. "CART has a lot of great events already, and I think this is going to be another one. Paddock Hill Bend is going to be awesome in a Champ Car. It's one of the all-time great corners in racing and going there in a Champ Car...there's gonna be a high pucker factor."

Regarding the decision to race on the Indy circuit, Herta said: "It's a short, tight track. No question it'll be tough to pass. But because it's short, I think you'll get into some interesting traffic scenarios. In some respects the racing and the strategies are going to similar to those of a one-mile oval, which should open up some passing opportunities. Really, I think it's a great venue and it'll be a great event for CART."

Herta was unable to secure a Champ Car drive for last year, instead racing for Panoz in the ALMS. He is hoping to return to CART this season, and had been linked with a drive at Team Rahal.