Top 10 IndyCar Stories in 2025

The year began with compellingly clever promotional ads for the NTT IndyCar Series featuring Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward. Who knew they were a prelude to a coronation, a scandal, a blockbuster business deal, a stunning rookie performance on racing’s biggest stage, and some big moves from big names? Take a look back at IndyCar’s 2005 season.

Alex Palou steals the show with 500 victory, fourth series crown in five years

With eight victories – virtually half of the chances – for Chip Ganassi Racing, Alex Palou once again was the star of the series. He became the fourth driver to win three consecutive championships, following Sebastien Bourdais (2004-07), Dario Franchitti (2010-12), and Ted Horn (1946-48). And with 19 total triumphs, fourth-most ever by a series champion, he tied Jimmy Bryan, Sam Hornish, and Jimmy Murphy on IndyCar’s all-time list.

Palou’s performance overshadowed teammate Scott Dixon’s record-setting season. Dixon passed Mario Andretti for most career starts with his 408 at Indianapolis and extended that to 419 (a record 356 consecutively). He improved his records for seasons with at least one race victory to 23 and career top-three and top-five finishes to 145 and 217, respectively.

The other nine victories in 2025 went to Kyle Kirkwood (3), Pato O’Ward (2), and Dixon, Will Power, Christian Rasmussen, and Josef Newgarden. But Palou’s likeness went on the Borg Warner Trophy once again.

So the beat – and the beatings – go on. And as IndyCar President Doug Boles said in a recent interview, “We all have to figure out how to beat Alex. I mean, that's not going to change just because we've been off for a few months. He's still going to be the guy that everybody's got to figure out how to beat.”

Penske Scandal 2.0 draws costly consequences, prompts changes

It was shocking enough in 2024 when Team Penske was busted for “Push To Pass” violations at the season opener. But more terrible optics surfaced during qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 with rule-breaking involving modified rear attenuators on two of its three cars. Rules dictate that part is to be used “as is” from the manufacturer. The once-squeaky-clean organization was slapped with $100,000 fines per car, two drivers received grid penalties and had to forfeit qualifying points, and heads rolled.

Three top executives—including 25-year Team President Tim Cindric, maestro of 10 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 triumphs in NASCAR, and more than 30 championships—got the ax. To reinforce the rulebook mandates and preserve the integrity of the sport, the series established an independent officiating system in place for the 2026 season. The new independent, not-for-profit organization, IndyCar Officiating Inc., will be governed by a three-person board with no oversight from IndyCar or Penske Entertainment officials.

FOX buys one-third of IMS, series

Penske Entertainment and FOX Corporation announced July 31 that FOX had acquired a one-third interest in Penske Entertainment, including the IndyCar Series and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Along with it came a multiyear extension of IndyCar’s media rights with FOX Sports. “The investment is expected to supercharge a new era of growth for the NTT IndyCar Series,” the statement said. Viewership increased 27 percent on the telecast side.

Robert Shwartzman claims Indianapolis 500 pole position

Not since Teo Fabi in 1983 had a rookie capture the pole position for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. So Prema Racing’s Robert Shwartzman stunned the series faithful this May with a jubilant feat that even his competitors applauded. His star faded a bit, with his 23rd-place finish in the series’ final standings and Louis Foster’s selection as 2025 Rookie of the Year. Shwartzman, virtually unknown until he showed up at Indianapolis with highly touted Prema, remained a popular figure in the paddock. And fans are hoping he and financially distressed Prema can return to the series.

Mick Schumacher latest to bring European glamour to IndyCar

Former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher has become one of the most heralded young elite European drivers to spice up the mix in North America’s celebrated open-wheel series. The son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher took a spin under the watch of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan crew in October and decided soon thereafter that he wanted to commit to a fulltime schedule for the team in 2026.

Colton Herta leaves US for Formula 1 opportunities

After downplaying for a number of years the lure of exploring the Formula 1 network, Colton Herta jumped at the chance to associate himself with the newly minted Cadillac team that will debut in 2026. The Andretti Global headliner finds himself in the Formula 2 fold, representing the team’s sought-after American talent. Will Power has assumed his seat in the NTT IndyCar Series.

2026 calendar pops with closer events, new courses

Gone is the problem of opening the season at St. Petersburg, Fla., then waiting for weeks to regenerate the excitement. The season will begin with a trio of races in as many weeks, including the Phoenix doubleheader with NASCAR and the new Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, with its architecturally captivating Dallas backdrop. A massive showcase at Nashville Superspeedway will benefit from a lead-in of FOX’s telecast of the FIFA World Cup 26 Final, as well as a prime-time, under-the-lights oval-race broadcast from World Wide Technology Raceway. The finale is set for California’s picturesque WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

yle Larson has crashing disappointment in second try at ‘double’

Kyle Larson salved his disappointment at not completing his second attempt to “Do the Double” at the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May by securing the NASCAR Cup Series championship in November for Hendrick Motorsports. But he crashed his Arrow McLaren ride at Indianapolis and dropped out at Charlotte, collected in a late wreck. A rain delay at Indianapolis messed up his 2024 attempt, keeping him from competing in the NASCAR showcase.

Will Power, Team Penske part ways

After 17 years at Team Penske - with 45 victories, a record 71 pole position starts, and more than 5,000 laps led in more than 300 starts – the 44-year-old two-time champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner has moved to another powerhouse team. He joins Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson in the Andretti lineup. IndyCar President Doug Boles made Will Power his pick for the 2026 championship: “I keep my eye on Will Power. I think he'll be energized, given the change for him. And I still think Scott McLaughlin is somebody that we expect big things from. So I think it'll be interesting to watch those two but especially Will. He’s energized. He continues to be really, really competitive. He's going to have to bring a new team along. It'll be fun to watch how that transition [goes]. So they're not necessarily dark horses, but I think those are two to watch.”

Michael Andretti scarce, Marco Andretti retires after 20 years

A Michael Andretti sighting at the series opener at St. Petersburg, Fla., was about the only glimpse the IndyCar set got of him all season after he sold his interest in his well-established IndyCar team. And son Marco Andretti called it quits for his driving career after 20 years, making his announcement via social media.