General Manager and Executive VP of World Wide Technology Raceway Chris Blair says that he was delighted with how the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 went on Saturday night. Speaking to Paddock Eye on Tuesday in an event recap, Chris said that there were a record number of lead changes for the race, and not only that, there were a record number of overtakes.
Blair said that the race was also their biggest attendance at the event since 2021, which he is very excited about. Ahead of the race on Saturday, there was a high-line practice, and he said that after Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing went out, he went up to where Chris and his team were watching it from and said that Graham was very impressed with how it went.
As for next season, Blair says that they are excited to be the first oval race following the Indianapolis 500. They are keen to take advantage of this opportunity to promote the event, and he hopes that it will draw fans to World Wide Technology Raceway as well as the Indianapolis 500; Blair praised the team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and said that his team will be there next year to promote the race.
Blair said that the idea for next season was to have a night race. However, he said that as it stands, it will not be a night race. Having the event earlier in the season excites him and the team, as the weather should be good.
Blair also confirmed that the circuit works closely with local attractions and local sports teams, such as the St. Louis Cardinals, who may be across the border in Missouri, but they are happy if it helps to get fans from both sports involved.
Blair also said that he is excited to see what Fox brings to the table regarding the show when they take over as the broadcaster of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025.