The IZOD IndyCar Series makes its debut in South America with its inaugural event on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
In the last five seasons, three drivers went on to win the series championship after winning an inaugural event at a track. In 2005, Dan Wheldon won the first race at St. Petersburg. In 2006, Dario Franchitti won the first race at Iowa and Scott Dixon won the first race at Edmonton in 2008. Franchitti won both inaugural events in 2009 – Long Beach and Toronto – on his way to capturing the championship.
