CART Races Could Offer $15.5 Million

The total prize money for the Championship Auto Racing Teams Indy-car series in 1986 could reach as much as $15.5 million, according to figures released by CART.

The Indianapolis 500, which is sanctioned by the rival U.S. Auto Club but counts in the CART championship, is expected to jump from a total payout in 1985 of $2.4 million to around $4 million.

The other 16 races on the circuit will total $8.75 million in purse money, with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Michigan 500 and the U.S. Grand Prix at the Meadowlands each paying $700,000.

The Portland 200, Molson Indy-Toronto, Pocono Domino’s Pizza 500 and Molson Indy-Montreal all will be worth $600,000.

The season-ending Miami Indy Challenge on Nov. 9 will added $550,000 in purse money, while the Budweiser Cleveland Grand Prix, Escort Radar Warning 200 at Mid-Ohio, Road America 200 at Elkhart Lake, Wis., and Monterey Grand Prix will both worth $500,000.

The Michigan 250 and Miller American 200 at Milwaukee have announced purses of $450,000 apiece, while the two Phoenix races, including the season opener on April 6, will pay out $400,000 each.

Series sponsor PPG Industries will added $1.2 million in the season point fund, and contingency monies, put up by various sponsors and manufacturers will total more than last year’s $550,000, although the final figure has not yet been reached.