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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indy Racing League will open its 2010 season on the streets of Sao Paulo, the first time the IndyCar series has held a race in Brazil.

The race is scheduled for March 14.

Series officials spent much of last summer talking about the possibility of going to Brazil, the home country of last season's biggest sponsor APEX-Brasil, which provides ethanol fuel for the IndyCars. They had said the season opener would be in Brazil but had not announced the city.

Several prominent drivers in the series including three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, 2004 IRL points champion Tony Kanaan and Raphael Matos, last season's rookie of the year, are Brazil natives.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-25-09 1719CST | save this article / add to your favorites list