IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard told the Indianapolis Business Journal that while the potential new races in Chicago or Houston are higher on the agenda for next year, the long-term plan calls for a European swing for the IZOD IndyCar Series. Bernard said the potential influx of new engine manufacturers could make European races more viable.

“Oh, yeah, in the next five years, I think you'll see the IndyCar Series reach more international markets,” Bernard told IBJ.com. “I'd love to see us do the oval in Germany.”

Bernard was referring to EuroSpeedway Lausitz, the two-mile banked oval on which CART/Champ Car previously conducted races. The track is located in the eastern part of Germany between Dresden and Berlin.

Bernard concedes Europeans have little awareness of the IndyCar Series, but pointed out that European TV ratings for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 were up more than 10 percent over the 2010 race.

“I think there's real potential for us in Europe,” Bernard said.