Harvey hopes growing British IndyCar interest could lead to UK race

Jack Harvey hopes an increase in British interest in the Verizon IndyCar Series could lead to the American single-seater championship staging a race in the UK in the years to come.

Harvey was confirmed earlier this month for a part-season IndyCar campaign as part of a joint effort between Michael Shank Racing and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports that will see him appear in at least six races in 2018.

The news followed Carlin's announcement of its entry to IndyCar, becoming the first British team to enter the championship in its modern history, and will field Max Chilton full-time next year.

IndyCar's boom in the UK has also been aided by a wider exposure of the series thanks to two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso's debut last year, resulting in a significant uptake in British media interest as a result - something Harvey has felt.

"It’s definitely on the rise. I did text Trevor [Carlin] yesterday, we did have a few conversations about stuff, and I was thrilled to see him be able to become the first full-time British entrant into IndyCar in North America," Harvey told Crash.net.

"Certainly the interest in IndyCar is growing a lot, I think that’s very fair to say. Honestly I just feel lucky to be a part of it. I think to be a part of that for me is something I am proud of."

Harvey is hopeful that the increased interest from British motorsport in IndyCar could lead to the championship holding a race in the UK down the line.

"If we can keep British drivers going there, who knows, maybe they will get a chance to do a race back in the UK? I think that would be incredible," Harvey said.

"I think if we can all keep trying to grow it between us and try and keep a British presence in the sport, I think that would be awesome. IndyCar racing is extremely fun, it’s exciting, it’s fun to watch, whereas sometimes Formula 1 can get a little predictable unless something really exciting happens.

"I’m thrilled that the amount of British drivers on the grid is growing, and I’m thrilled that Trevor’s got a team. I know that he’s worked a long time to be in that position.

"I’m really happy for everybody at Carlin to get this shot at the highest level."

American single-seater racing last graced British shores back in 2003 when Brands Hatch held the London Champ Car Trophy as part of the CART World Series. The track took over from Rockingham as the host of the UK round after two years due to concerns about the weather and financial pressure placed on the oval circuit.

IndyCar currently features no rounds outside of North America on its calendar, but has expressed a strong interest in staging races in both China and Mexico in the near future.