Mark Miles: IndyCar’s “Next Biggest Opportunity” Lies in Creating Destination Events That Go Beyond Racing 🏎️🎶🍾

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles says the series’ future growth hinges on more than just fast cars and thrilling finishes — it’s about building destination events that leave fans saying “wow.”

In recent comments, Miles highlighted the importance of developing races that deliver a complete entertainment experience, combining elite on-track competition with music, hospitality, and atmosphere that appeal to a broader audience.

“The next biggest opportunity for IndyCar,” Miles said, “is having events that have big attendance and feel like destination weekends. We want people to come not just for the racing, but for the experience — the music, the food, the hospitality, and the community vibe. We want you to say ‘wow.’”

Miles identified six events that currently serve as the “standard bearers” for what IndyCar hopes to replicate across the calendar. While he did not specify all six by name, series insiders point to the Indianapolis 500, Long Beach Grand Prix, St. Petersburg, Road America, Nashville, and Toronto as leading examples of events that draw strong crowds and capture the energy of both motorsport and festival culture.

Under Miles’ leadership, IndyCar has focused on growing fan engagement, enhancing broadcast quality, and improving the on-site experience. His latest comments reflect a continued push to make the series more immersive, vibrant, and appealing to new audiences — similar to the approach seen in Formula 1’s global events and NASCAR’s street race initiatives.

“It’s about creating weekends that feel alive,” Miles added. “When fans leave, we want them to already be planning their trip back next year.”

As IndyCar looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the vision is clear: world-class racing surrounded by unforgettable experiences that turn every stop on the schedule into a must-attend celebration of speed and spectacle.

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