What Is 2013 Sao Paulo Indy 300

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 was an IndyCar Series race held on May 12, 2013, in São Paulo, Brazil. It was the second round of the 2013 IndyCar season and was won by Tony Kanaan.

Key Facts

The 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 took place on May 12, 2013, on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil.
It was the second race of the 14-race 2013 IndyCar Series season.
Tony Kanaan won the race, driving for KV Racing Technology with car number 11.
The race covered 75 laps on a 2.536-mile temporary street circuit.
Approximately 75,000 spectators attended the event at the Anhembi Sambadrome complex.

Overview

The 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 was a key event in the IndyCar Series, marking the second race of the 2013 season. Held on May 12, 2013, the race took place on a temporary 2.536-mile street circuit surrounding the Anhembi Sambadrome in São Paulo, Brazil. This urban track combined tight corners, long straights, and elevation changes, challenging drivers with limited passing zones and high-speed risks.

Originally part of a two-year agreement starting in 2011, the São Paulo event aimed to expand IndyCar’s international presence. Though attendance dipped compared to earlier years, the 2013 race remained a significant showcase for open-wheel racing in South America. Despite logistical challenges and criticism over track layout, the event drew global attention and featured 26 drivers competing for 53 points toward the championship.

Race date: The event occurred on May 12, 2013, as the second stop in the 14-race IndyCar Series season, following the St. Petersburg opener.
Winner:Tony Kanaan, driving the No. 11 Chevrolet for KV Racing Technology, claimed victory after leading 32 of the 75 laps under intense pressure.
Circuit length: The temporary street circuit measured 2.536 miles (4.081 km) with 11 turns, designed to mimic Formula 1-style urban racing.
Race duration: The full race lasted 1 hour, 52 minutes, and 43 seconds, averaging a speed of 71.8 mph due to frequent caution periods.
Attendance: Organizers reported approximately 75,000 spectators over the race weekend, down from previous years but still substantial for a street circuit.

How It Works

The São Paulo Indy 300 followed standard IndyCar Series regulations with unique adaptations for the street course, including safety protocols, pit strategies, and weather contingencies. The race format included practice sessions, qualifying, and a final 75-lap main event, with points awarded based on finishing position.

Qualifying Format:Drivers participated in a knockout-style session divided into groups, with the fastest advancing to determine the top 12 starting spots.
Car Specifications:All entries used 2.2L V6 twin-turbocharged engines from Chevrolet or Honda, producing around 550 horsepower and reaching speeds over 220 mph.
Pit Stops:Teams executed 3–4 pit stops per race for fuel, tires, and adjustments, with each stop averaging 10–12 seconds under optimal conditions.
Caution Periods:The 2013 race saw 6 caution flags, totaling 22 laps under yellow, primarily due to crashes and debris on the narrow track.
Points System:Winners earned 50 points, with decreasing amounts down to 1 point for 33rd place, plus 1 bonus point for pole position.
Safety Measures:The track featured TecPro barriers and SAFER walls, with medical crews stationed at multiple points to respond within 90 seconds.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 with other major IndyCar races from the same season:

Race	Date	Track Type	Laps	Winner
São Paulo Indy 300	May 12, 2013	Street Circuit	75	Tony Kanaan
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg	March 24, 2013	Street Circuit	100	Helio Castroneves
Indianapolis 500	May 26, 2013	Oval	200	Tony Kanaan
Texas Motor Speedway	June 8, 2013	Oval	200	Will Power
GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma	August 25, 2013	Road Course	75	Sébastien Bourdais

The São Paulo race stood out due to its international location and urban setting, contrasting with the high-speed ovals like Indianapolis and Texas. While lap counts were lower than oval races, the technical demands and frequent cautions made strategy crucial. Its placement just before the Indianapolis 500 added significance, allowing drivers to fine-tune setups before the season’s marquee event.

Why It Matters

The 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 played a pivotal role in maintaining IndyCar’s global outreach and supporting driver development in Latin America. Despite being discontinued after 2013, the race left a lasting impact on motorsport culture in Brazil.

Global Exposure:The race was broadcast in over 100 countries, helping IndyCar maintain visibility outside North America during a period of rebuilding.
Driver Legacy:Tony Kanaan’s win boosted his momentum, leading to his emotional victory at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 just two weeks later.
Economic Impact:The event generated an estimated $15 million in local revenue from tourism, hospitality, and media.
Track Innovation:The Anhembi layout influenced future street circuits with its mix of tight chicanes and long straights.
Championship Influence:Finishing positions affected early-season standings, with Kanaan moving into the top five after São Paulo.
Event Legacy:Though discontinued, it inspired future international rounds, including races in Japan and potential returns to South America.

The 2013 São Paulo Indy 300 remains a notable chapter in IndyCar history, symbolizing both the promise and challenges of expanding open-wheel racing globally.