The Annual Race of Champions will return early next year in Miami. It will be the first time that the competition will be held on American soil having been in London for 2016. It will take place in Miami’s Marlins Park Baseball Stadium on January 21-22, 2017.
Three drivers have already been confirmed with the American driver Ryan Hunter-Reay making his return. Hunter-Reay who races in the Verizon IndyCar Series and is one of America’s most successful currently active single-seater drivers, winning the championship and the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosports.
Joining Hunter-Reay on the United States team will be Kurt Busch. The 38-year-old has been one of NASCAR‘s most polarising figures, winning the Sprint Cup back in 2004. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel will return to defend his champion of champions crown from London.
Vettel commented on his return, saying he was looking forward to Miami and defending his crown, a feet that has not been achieved since Mattias Ekstrom defeated Michael Schumacher in 2007.
“All the drivers are strong, and the top US drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar will certainly be extra motivated to win in front of their home fans now that the event is being held in their country for the first time.
“This will also be the first time ROC has been held in a baseball stadium so I’m curious to discover the new track layout. But as always it’s the same track and identical cars for everyone so only driver skill makes the difference.”
The ROC president, Fredrik Johnsson said; “We are thrilled to be bringing the Race Of Champions to the United States at last. Miami’s Marlins Park is a wonderful venue and it’s our first time inside a baseball stadium.”
“American race fans are passionate about their sport and I’m sure they will enjoy the great competition and shows we put on. We look forward to welcoming a packed crowd to enjoy the sight of some of the world’s best drivers battling it out.”
