Next season for IndyCar is arguably one of the most important seasons to date for the series as a whole.
Between the new FOX TV deal that is set in place and the charter system that is implemented now, next season may be the start of IndyCar turning the page financially as a company.
Having the new TV deal and the charter system makes the series more appealing to major sponsors that may have not wanted to test the waters before. Being on broadcast television every week will cater to some of the major sources of income for teams which then helps drive up the stock of the charters.
Not even that, having races at Thermal and now in 2026, Arlington, IndyCar is trying to broaden its demographic by having races that cater to different markets if you will.
Obviously, the driver pool in IndyCar is one not to shy away from with high level competition currently in the sport and now you add the addition of these other factors, it creates a recipe for success and money for the series.
With that, let’s dive deeper into each factor and how IndyCar can use them for success.
Build TV Presence
The shift over to FOX is major for many reasons.
While NBC provided good coverage for the series, only a few of the series’ races were actually featured on their main broadcast television, limiting the viewership that can be had.
By having every single race on FOX, it will allow for a more clear cut platform for the series each week. Having the races on different platforms weekly creates confusion and now it all being on FOX will be a game changer.
Hopefully, through this we will see more content coming to FOX’s lineup of channels, most notably FS1 and FS2. Showcasing pre-race shows, IndyNXT races, race practice/qualifying, and other original content could be big for the series.
By bringing content on a more viewed stage it can allow for people to learn about the series more and maybe even some of its history through documentaries or other pieces.
IndyCar has to be able to build their TV presence and by the end of next season we will be able to get an idea of the commitment that FOX has to the series.
NASCAR-FOX’s partnership has dwindled over the years and with F1 still regarded as one of the top racing series globally, maybe IndyCar can build their fanbase even higher by using the new TV deal as a marketing tool.
At the end of the day, it can only help the series.
Establish The Charter System
The wording of this title may sound a bit strange but building the foundations for this new charter system is going to be crucial for the future of the industry.
The great thing is that the FOX TV deal goes hand-in-hand with the new charter system.
The higher the viewership and ratings are on FOX, the more likely we will see new sponsors and potentially even brands join the series, which grows the pricing of a charter.
For teams such as Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Global, the worth of their charters may have more significant value already given their existing partnerships and previous successes. But teams such as Dale Coyne Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing who don’t have existing weekly sponsors may be in a different conversation.
It’s hard to believe that Nolan Siegel didn’t have a sponsor on his Indy 500 ride and even if he didn’t make the field, the exposure leading up to the race would have been a positive.
By having a TV deal now that will provide that exposure, it should help build up these charters and what they are worth.
Sponsors will want to get on board and their will be money to be made, but establishing the initial amount that they are worth will be tricky.
IndyCar probably already has an idea of the worth of each charter but in an age of increasing prices for goods/services, that charter’s worth may exponentially grow.
Once we see a charter sold, we can get a better understanding of the logistical aspects of what we may see within in this new system but for right now, its hard to tell.
New Markets
IndyCar has grown in terms of the markets that they are trying to expand to and a lot of that translates into the business moves that series has made over the past handful of months.
The addition of Thermal as a points race and now adding the Grand Prix of Arlington showcase what direction the series is trying to push into.
Some tracks will never leave the schedule. Places like Indy, St. Pete, and Portland mean a lot to the series in terms of the history that has been made. But IndyCar has to capitalize while they can with this turning point they are making.
Even while the TV deal will help elevate the series, fans at the track also help in this process of growing the series from an audience and business standpoint.
By bringing the series to big markets like Downtown Detroit, Arlington (Dallas/Ft. Worth), and Nashville, it only helps grow the series and bring new fans to the track.
That can translate into them watching the series and getting more involved, buying merchandise and overall helping the business grow.
While sales such as merchandise are just a small margin of the bigger pie, it does go a long way and add to the overall rise of the series.
The major point to keep in mind is the racing.
Even if the market may be big enough to hold a race, the racing style must also be a factor as well.
For example, while a track like Detroit does bring scenic views, the narrow setup of the circuit makes it a difficult racing style to keep fans aboard.
Being able to find the right market while making sure that racing is up to par is important for the success of a new circuit.
Final Thoughts
When 2025 comes around next season and we are all preparing for the St. Pete opener, it not only will be the kickstart of the new racing season, but it will also be the beginning of new era.
Between new TV partner and a charter system, IndyCar could have a massive business year.
There is a lot of talent currently in the series as I mentioned. With Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Will Power, Pato O’ Ward, Alex Palou and others manning the field, the star power is there, its just a matter of getting that star power the exposure they deserve.
Hopefully for IndyCar, 2025 can provide a blueprint for the future and we can see an expanding, bountiful series in the years to come.