Should IndyCar create a throwback-style and liveried race?

Is it time for Indy Car to create its own throwback race like NASCAR has at Darlington Raceway, with a full complement of older liveries in the field?

As ISM Raceway in Phoenix plays host to the Verizon IndyCar Series in the second race of the 2018 season, the track is testing a new attempt at reaching out to those in the sport and its most passionate fans. On Thursday night, the track paid tribute to Mario Andretti, honoring his last open-wheel victory which came at the track in 1993. To complement that effort, Marco Andretti will run a throwback livery on his #98 Andretti Autosport Honda to honor his grandfather. But could this be just the beginning?

As reported by Brant James on IndyCar.com, ISM Raceway could be laying the groundwork for a full-blown throwback race in the future. This would likely be in a similar vein to NASCAR’s endeavor at Darlington each Labor Day weekend. But the key to continuing this idea will be buy-in, both from teams in the garage and fans in the stands.

With the three-year contract for IndyCar to race at the jewel in the desert coming to an end in 2018, negotiating a continuing deal will likely be first on the minds of series and track officials. However, creating an exciting atmosphere like this around their race could be key in earning a renewal with the series. It would also likely continue a positive trend in attendance at the track for the April race.

More from IndyCar

But is ISM Raceway the best track for IndyCar to embrace its throwback roots? There are certainly other tracks that are older and have more history with open-wheel racing that could also fit the bill. While many have their own tie-ins already, such as Indianapolis, Belle Isle, and Pocono, there is one other option that truly stands out. The return of IndyCar racing to Portland Raceway could provide the opportunity for a throwback road course race, embracing both the past of IndyCar and its former competitors CART and Champ Car.

Of course, no matter where IndyCar decides to create a throwback-style event, there will be plenty of great old paint schemes for teams to pick from. What if A.J. Foyt Racing redesigned their cars to pay homage to their legendary team owner? What if Andretti Autosport used their long history with big names like Kanaan, Wheldon, and Franchitti to inspire their throwback colors? And perhaps even the two powerhouses of the sport – Penske and Ganassi – have a variety of iconic liveries to pick from.

Next: Top 10 most unbreakable records across Formula One, NASCAR and IndyCar

Would you like to see IndyCar create their own throwback-style race? What paint schemes do you think teams would embrace for the event? Comment below with your thoughts on the idea, and tune in for the Phoenix Grand Prix on Saturday, April 7 at 9:00 pm eastern on NBCSN.