The 2025 IndyCar Season Runs March Through September

The 2025 IndyCar Series season begins in March and concludes in September, with 17 races scheduled across North America. The series runs primarily on oval tracks, road courses, and street circuits, with the Indianapolis 500 remaining the marquee event in May. Each race is broadcast on television, and most are also streamed online through the series' official channels.

The schedule is set by IndyCar and released annually, typically in the fall of the previous year. Race dates, times, and broadcast information are published on the official IndyCar website and updated as needed. If you are planning to attend races in person or arrange viewing parties, knowing the full schedule in advance helps you book travel and time off work.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 IndyCar season includes 17 races spread from March through September across ovals, road courses, and street circuits.
  • The Indianapolis 500 takes place in May and is the most prominent race on the calendar, drawing the largest crowds and viewership.
  • Most races are broadcast on television networks including NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, with specific channel assignments varying by race.
  • Race times and dates are subject to change for weather, television scheduling, or other operational reasons, so confirming details closer to race day is important.
  • Ticket information, parking, and venue-specific details are available through the official IndyCar website and individual track websites.

Major Races and Their Typical Timing

The season opens with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in early March on a street circuit in Florida. This race traditionally kicks off the year and draws strong attendance. Following St. Petersburg, the series moves to other venues including road courses like Long Beach and Mid-Ohio, oval tracks like Texas Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway, and street circuits in cities such as Detroit and Toronto.

The Indianapolis 500, held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is scheduled for May and is the centerpiece of the IndyCar calendar. This 500-mile race on an oval track is one of the most famous motorsports events in the world. The race weekend includes practice sessions, may have access to, and the main event, typically spanning Thursday through Sunday of race week.

The season concludes with races in late August and September, often including a double-header weekend where two races are held at the same venue on consecutive days. The final race of the season determines the series champion and typically takes place in early September.

How to Find the Complete 2025 Schedule

The official IndyCar website (indycar.com) publishes the full season schedule with race dates, track names, and preliminary broadcast information. The schedule page also lists practice and may have access to times once those details are finalized, usually a few weeks before each race weekend.

Each track also maintains its own website with venue-specific information including parking, gate times, seating maps, and local accommodations. If you plan to attend a race, visiting both the IndyCar site and the individual track site gives you the complete picture of what to expect on race day.

Television networks that broadcast IndyCar races include NBC, USA Network, and Peacock (NBC's streaming service). The specific channel for each race is listed on the IndyCar schedule page. Some races may be broadcast on cable, while others stream exclusively on Peacock, so checking the broadcast details for your preferred race is necessary.

What to Expect at Different Track Types

IndyCar races take place on three types of circuits, each with different characteristics. Oval tracks like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway feature high speeds and sustained passing opportunities. Road courses such as Road America and Mid-Ohio include left and right turns, elevation changes, and require different driving techniques than ovals.

Street circuits in cities like St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Detroit, and Toronto are temporary courses built on city streets. These venues draw large crowds because they are located in urban centers and offer unique viewing angles. Street circuit races tend to produce close competition and frequent position changes due to the tight confines of the track.

Attendance, ticket prices, and the overall fan experience vary by venue. Oval tracks typically accommodate larger crowds, while street circuits offer more intimate viewing but may have limited seating. Checking the specific track's website before purchasing tickets helps you understand the layout and choose seats that match your preferences.

Ticket Information and Attendance

Tickets for 2025 IndyCar races are sold through the official IndyCar website, individual track websites, and authorized ticket vendors. Prices vary significantly depending on the race, seating location, and how far in advance you purchase. The Indianapolis 500 and popular street circuit races like Long Beach typically command higher prices than some oval track races.

Many tracks offer general admission options, which are often the most affordable way to attend. General admission seating may be standing room or bleacher seating in certain areas of the track. Premium seating, suites, and hospitality packages are available at higher price points and often include amenities like food, beverages, and climate-controlled viewing areas.

Early-bird discounts are sometimes offered for races that are further away on the calendar. If you know which races you want to attend, purchasing tickets several months in advance can result in lower prices. Some tracks also offer multi-race packages or season passes for fans who plan to attend multiple events.

How Race Schedules Can Change

While the IndyCar schedule is set well in advance, changes do occur. Weather can force postponements or reschedules, particularly for street circuit races that are vulnerable to rain. Television networks may request time changes to accommodate broader sports programming, which can shift a race from an afternoon to an evening start or vice versa.

Occasionally, a race venue may be added or removed from the schedule due to track construction, sponsorship changes, or other operational factors. These changes are announced through the official IndyCar channels and are typically communicated several months before the affected race.

If you are planning travel to attend a race, confirming the race date and time one to two weeks before the event is a good practice. This allows you to catch any last-minute adjustments and ensures your travel plans remain aligned with the actual race schedule.

Streaming and Broadcast Options

Most IndyCar races are broadcast on traditional television through NBC or USA Network, making them accessible to viewers with cable or satellite subscriptions. For those without cable, Peacock (NBC's streaming service) carries many races, though some may require a paid subscription tier.

The IndyCar website lists the broadcast channel for each race. If a race is on Peacock, that information is clearly noted on the schedule. Some races may also be available through the IndyCar app or other digital platforms, depending on broadcast rights agreements.

International viewers should check their local broadcasters, as IndyCar races are distributed to television networks in many countries. The official IndyCar website sometimes lists international broadcast partners, though local research may be necessary to find the correct channel in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2025 IndyCar season start and end?

The 2025 season begins in March with the St. Petersburg race and concludes in early September with the season finale. The exact dates are published on the IndyCar website and may shift slightly year to year based on television scheduling and venue availability.

How many races are on the 2025 schedule?

The 2025 IndyCar season includes 17 races. This number can vary slightly from year to year depending on track additions, removals, or scheduling adjustments made by the series.

Can I watch IndyCar races without cable?

Yes. Many races are streamed on Peacock, and some may be available through the IndyCar app or website. Check the broadcast details for each specific race to determine which platform carries it and whether a subscription is required.

What is the best way to buy tickets for multiple races?

Visit the official IndyCar website and individual track websites to compare ticket prices and availability. Some tracks offer multi-race packages or season passes that may provide savings if you plan to attend several events throughout the year.

Will the schedule change after it is published?

The schedule can change due to weather, television adjustments, or venue issues, though major changes are uncommon. Confirming race dates and times one to two weeks before the event helps you catch any updates that may affect your attendance plans.