Motorsports unlikely in 2028 LA Olympics

Motorsports are unlikely in the 2028 LA Olympics as organizers left it off its official proposal for new sports with the IOC.

In August, LA28 released a shortlist of nine sports invited to present their case for inclusion at the Olympics.

Motorsports was a part of that list but it was unclear how it would be laid out in the Olympics.

Baseball/softball, flag football, cricket, lacrosse and squash made that final shortlist shared with the IOC.

LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman issued the following statement on their final sports proposal to the IOC:

“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe. They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

The IOC Executive Board will review LA28’s proposal and put it forward for ratification. That will happen next Monday at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.

While motorsports are unlikely in the 2028 LA Olympics, it has been a part of the Games before.

In 1900, motorsports events were held during the Summer Olympics in conjunction with the World’s Fair in Paris, France.

Motorsports has been on the IOC’s radar. In 2018, they included motorsport in the Youth Olympic Games and Buenos Aires, Argentina. They also had an electric karting event as a demonstration event.

In 2021, the IOC and FIA collaborated to bring motorsports to the Olympic Virtual Series. Reports indicate there were 1.4 million entries from over 45,000 different gamers.