Mexico City date for 2002 calendar

CART has agreed with Mexico-based entertainment giant Corporacion Interamericana de Entretenimiento and racing team Forsythe Racing to hold a round at Mexico City beginning in 2002. This year saw CART add a round at Fundidora Park in Monterrey to its calendar.

"We are extremely excited about the potential for this race and are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with CIE and Forsythe Racing in Mexico City," said CART's CEO Joseph Heitzler. "This decision demonstrates the commitment to our newly established strategic direction and we look forward to providing Mexican fans with our exciting style of racing.

"Our initial race in Monterrey, Mexico, this past March saw overwhelming support for our series, the weekend attendance establishing a CART event record. This event will give us another opportunity to reach out with CART racing to the large and growing group of Hispanic fans who are attracted to our sport."

The five-year deal is for US$4 million annually, the highest figure of any CART North American event. CART last raced in Mexico City in 1981, and CIE and Forsythe plan to invest US$25-30 million in facility improvements.

The Mexico City track last held a Grand Prix in 1992.