On August 25 and 26, Orchestra Brasil, a project that encourages exports, participated in the Sonoma (California) phase of the IndyCar Series. This participation is an initiative of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) aiming to take advantage of the most important category of car racing in the USA to do networking and actions to promote Brazilian products and services abroad.    Two manufacturers of components and accessories for the furniture industry had the opportunity to follow the training sessions, visit the pit stops and watch the race in Apex-Brasil cabin. The representatives could also invite importers and partners from Mexico, Canada and the United States, creating a favorable environment for strengthening trade relations. In 201, the IndyCar Series Project generated a total of US$ 897 million in business for Brazilian companies, representing an increase of 52.3% over 2010 when it amounted to US$ 589 million. Last year, the initiative fostered networking actions, trade and image promotion in addition to media coverage involving 400 foreign companies, 148 Brazilian companies and 25 organizations during  the 17 races of the season.