IndyCar Series

IndyCar Series. It is the premier level of open-wheel racing in North America, sanctioned by INDYCAR. The championship is renowned for its diverse schedule of oval, road, and street courses, culminating in the famed Indianapolis 500. Since its formation in 1996 as the Indy Racing League, it has grown into a global series featuring elite drivers and teams competing for the Astor Challenge Cup.

History

The series was founded in 1996 by Tony George, then president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the Indy Racing League (IRL), creating a split from the established CART championship. This period, known as The Split, divided teams, manufacturers, and fans for over a decade. Key early events included the 1996 season and the 1996 Indianapolis 500, which was contested solely by IRL entrants. The series rebranded to its current name in 2003 and achieved reunification in 2008 with the absorption of the Champ Car World Series, ending the schism. Under the leadership of Randy Bernard and later Mark Miles, the championship has focused on stability, safety advancements led by Dr. Terry Trammell, and expanding its calendar with events like the Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend.

Competition format

The championship is contested over a series of races, each awarding points towards the overall title based on finishing position, with bonus points for pole position, leading a lap, and leading the most laps. The season finale, typically at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, awards double points. A unique feature is the Indianapolis 500 qualifying format, where the fastest 33 drivers make the field, with the top 12 competing in the Fast Twelve Shootout to set the first four rows. The series employs standing starts for select road and street courses, while oval races utilize rolling starts. Race control is managed by Race Director Kyle Novak, with officiating support from INDYCAR and the use of a Saftey Team for rapid response.

Cars and technology

All teams compete with a spec Dallara IR-18 chassis, introduced in 2018, with aerodynamic configurations tailored for different track types—oval, road course, and speedway kits. Engine competition is provided by two manufacturers, Honda and Chevrolet, who supply twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter V6 power units. The sole tire supplier is Firestone, which provides multiple dry-weather and rain tire compounds. Key technological and safety components include the Aeroscreen driver protection device, developed with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the MIS electronic dashboard system, and EAS barriers developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The series also utilizes the MIS traction control system on road and street circuits.

Notable drivers and teams

The series has been home to legendary drivers such as Scott Dixon, the all-time wins leader, Hélio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and Mario Andretti. Contemporary stars include reigning champion Álex Palou, Josef Newgarden, and Pato O'Ward. Prominent full-time teams are Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, Andretti Global, and Arrow McLaren. Historically significant teams include A.J. Foyt Enterprises, founded by A.J. Foyt, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, co-owned by Bobby Rahal and David Letterman. Successful driver-owners have included Michael Andretti of Andretti Global.

Championship winners

The series champion is awarded the Astor Challenge Cup. Scott Dixon holds the record with six championships (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020). Other multiple-time champions include Dario Franchitti (four titles), Sam Hornish Jr. (three titles), and Josef Newgarden (two titles). Recent champions are Will Power (2022) and Álex Palou (2021, 2023). The championship has been won by drivers from various nations, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, and the United States. Team championships are also awarded, with Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing being the most successful organizations.

Major races

The centerpiece of the schedule is the Indianapolis 500, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, often referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Other historic oval events include the Texas 600 and the Milwaukee Mile. The series also features prestigious road and street course events such as the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, and the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. International races have included the Honda Indy Toronto in Canada and the Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The non-championship CART event, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, remains one of the most famous street races in American history.