The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season is set to begin, marking the 114th official championship season of American open-wheel racing. Competition is heating up as 17 races comprise this year's schedule, with fans eagerly anticipating the showcase event—the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 25, 2025.
Álex Palou is entering the season as the defending back-to-back champion, hoping to clinch another title and become only the fourth driver to achieve three consecutive series championships. Meanwhile, Josef Newgarden of Team Penske aims to make history himself; he seeks to be the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 three times consecutively. Newgarden has already established himself as one of the premier talents on the circuit, having claimed the championship twice, and is coming off two wins including the prestigious Indy 500.
The season kicks off on March 2, 2025, with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. The full schedule includes races across the United States, with highlights being the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 13 and the Grand Prix of Alabama on May 4. Following the iconic Indianapolis 500, the season will continue with events spanning cities including Detroit, Toronto, and Nashville, wrapping up with races at the Milwaukee Mile and Portland International Speedway.
Key drivers to watch this season, alongside Palou and Newgarden, include Scott Dixon, who boasts six championships and 58 race wins, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in the series' history. Pato O’Ward is another driver fans are keeping their eyes on, aiming for his first points championship after finishing runner-up twice at the Indianapolis 500.
Coverage for all races will be broadcast on FOX, marking the first time the complete IndyCar Series has aired on network television. Jamie Little, the reporter known for her NASCAR coverage, emphasized the potential exposure IndyCar will receive this season. "I think there is nothing more you can do to help grow this sport and grow the viewership than to have it on network television..." said Little. Fans can expect cross-promotion between IndyCar and NASCAR as both series begin their seasons.
Listeners can tune in to IndyCar Nation on SiriusXM Channel 218 for live coverage of all races. SiriusXM also has expanded its programming with shows aimed at IndyCar insights, featuring famed personalities and seasoned drivers. This includes partnerships with teams and promotional efforts to keep fans engaged through the entire season.
With the anticipation building for the 2025 IndyCar Series, fans are ready to see how the drama of the season will play out. Will Palou complete the three-peat, or can Newgarden make history of his own? The stakes are high, and every driver will be pushing to leave their mark on this storied series.