The 2025 IndyCar season guarantees to construct on a 2024 marketing campaign that featured seven totally different winners in 17 occasions and a battle for the championship that went all the way down to the ultimate race.
Because the sequence appears forward to 2025 — the primary season with all races telecast on FOX — this is a have a look at a number of the prime storylines to comply with:
1. Indy 500 and Kyle Larson
The Indianapolis 500 is the most important storyline yearly in IndyCar, and this yr will mark the second time Kyle Larson makes an attempt the Indy 500-Coke 600 double. And it has to go higher than final yr when a storm system delayed the five hundred, the place he completed 18th, and he received to Charlotte because the rains arrived to finish that race earlier than he might ever get into the automotive (Justin Allgaier began the race). And whereas Larson’s crossover racing attraction will add eyes to the most important motorsports occasion, all eyes will likely be on all 33 drivers, particularly whether or not Josef Newgarden can three-peat. And this would be the first Indy 500 with the brand new hybrid engine system.
2. Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward
The 2 IndyCar drivers have mixed for 16 profession victories and search their first IndyCar titles. Herta completed second within the standings final yr whereas O’Ward has been top-five within the standings in 4 of the previous 5 seasons. Can they snag that elusive title — and as they do, will they’ve an eye fixed on a attainable Method 1 experience? Herta is a attainable candidate for the Cadillac effort that begins in 2026 so long as he can acquire his tremendous license. O’Ward is a reserve driver for McLaren and did a few assessments final fall.
3. Alex Palou championship and saga
Palou will go for his fourth IndyCar title and third in a row. He nonetheless seeks his first oval victory, although, and that pursuit continues to be a storyline. His off-the-track drama nonetheless is winding by the UK courts within the battles between him, his legal professionals and McLaren, however to this point that hasn’t impacted the efficiency of this driver, who appears cemented within the Ganassi secure.
4. Andretti World
With Michael Andretti stepping again from day-to-day operations, how the group operates underneath majority proprietor Dan Towriss and new president Jill Gregory stays to be seen. The Andretti title is synonymous with IndyCar racing and whereas there should not be any drop in efficiency, if there’s any, the scrutiny on new management seemingly will come quick and livid.
5. Scott McLaughlin
The affable McLaughlin from New Zealand enters his fifth IndyCar season. He has completed third the final two years within the standings, however 2024 proved a considerably breakout yr as he gained two races on ovals. If there’s going to be a yr during which he ought to begin to rank with the sequence leaders all through the season and problem for a title, this may be the one.
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports activities. He has spent many years masking motorsports, together with over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting Information, NASCAR Scene journal and The (Daytona Seaside) Information-Journal. Comply with him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
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