BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — What looked like a bold gamble in 2010 has paid off with one of the best race weekends on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule.
The relationship between the NTT IndyCar Series and Barber Motorsports Park has been golden ever since the first time the series competed at the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural road course.
On Sunday, a five-year contract extension was announced between ZOOM Motorsports, which promotes the facility, and IndyCar that will guarantee the relationship continues through at least the end of this decade.
Sunday’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix was the 13th time the NTT IndyCar Series has raced on George Barber’s beautiful facility. After overnight rain, Sunday’s race was held under near perfect conditions, with bright sunny skies and temperatures in the mid- to high-60s.
“This year is going to be our biggest day since 2015,” ZOOM Motorsports CEO Gene Hallman said. “Crowds are pouring in. We sold tickets in 42 states, 13 countries around the world. More than 45 percent of our tickets were sold outside the state of Alabama. It’s a great tourism event.
“George Barber gave $125 million to this foundation that owns this facility. It’s the largest philanthropic donation by an individual in Alabama history. It’s his gift back to our community to showcase what a beautiful place Alabama is.”
Mark Miles is the CEO of Penske Entertainment and said the extension gives the series schedule continuity in what has become a destination race weekend.
“It’s being in the right places,” Miles said. “They have under promised and overachieved. Barber Motorsports Park is gorgeous with great racing and the fans really turn out. We are treated very special here.
“We are pleased the NTT IndyCar Series will return to Barber Motorsports Park for years to come. For the last 13 years, Barber has been an ideal host and the perfect Southeastern venue to showcase IndyCar’s bold and brash personality and compelling action. With its unique layout and dramatic features, this beautiful facility is a favorite with our fans and within our paddock.
“We look forward to growing this meaningful partnership with more thrilling racing and iconic moments.”
Jay Frye is IndyCar President and has seen the competition improve to a tremendous level at the track that was originally designed for motorcycle racing.
“This is an amazing place,” Frye said. “It’s going to be great racing with great support.”
Since 2010, Barber Motorsports Park has hosted this premier event on the IndyCar calendar and is one of the longest running races on the series’ schedule.
Barber Motorsports Park is known as the “Augusta of Racing,” a favorite among fans and drivers alike.
The multiyear extension coincides with the new agreement with the entitlement partners of the race, Medical Properties Trust, and Children’s of Alabama, which executed a multiyear commitment with ZOOM Motorsports this year.
This extension allows the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix to continue its mission of raising funds for one of the busiest pediatric hospitals in the country, representing a first-of-its kind philanthropic opportunity for the NTT IndyCar Series.
“It has been an honor to host this race since 2010 at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park,” Hallman said. “The event has become a cornerstone of the Birmingham community, drawing fans from all over the world. We are excited for the future of this event and what it means to Children’s of Alabama.”
Race coverage of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. ET today on NBC and Peacock. The IndyCar Radio Network also will provide coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.