Where to find the official IndyCar schedule

The official IndyCar schedule is published on IndyCar.com, the sport's main website. You can find the full season schedule under their "Schedule" or "Events" section, which lists every race date, track location, and start time. This is the most reliable source because IndyCar updates it directly when dates change or new races are added.

The schedule typically comes out in the fall of the previous year. For example, the 2025 schedule would be released in late 2024. IndyCar also publishes a downloadable calendar file that you can add to your phone or computer calendar, which automatically reminds you of race dates.

If you prefer to watch races on television, NBC and USA Network broadcast most IndyCar races in the United States. Both networks post their broadcast schedules on their websites and apps, showing which channel each race appears on and what time it starts in your time zone.

Key Takeaways

  • The official IndyCar schedule is on IndyCar.com and includes race dates, track names, and start times for the entire season.
  • IndyCar releases the full schedule in the fall, several months before the season begins.
  • NBC and USA Network broadcast most races; their websites show which channel and time each race airs.
  • You can read the schedule as a calendar file to sync with your phone or computer reminders.
  • Race dates sometimes shift due to weather or other factors, so checking the official site before race day prevents missing a race.

What information the schedule includes

Each race listing on the IndyCar schedule shows the track name, the date, the race start time, and usually the broadcast channel. Some listings also include practice and may have access to times if those sessions happen on different days than the race itself. For multi-day events, the schedule breaks down which activities happen on which days.

The schedule also notes whether a race is part of a special series or event. For example, the Indianapolis 500 is listed separately because it is the most famous IndyCar race and has its own may have access to format and traditions. Other races may be part of a double-header weekend, meaning two races happen at the same track on the same day.

How the season is structured

IndyCar races from spring through fall, typically starting in March or April and ending in September or October. The exact number of races varies by year but usually falls between 16 and 17 races. The schedule mixes oval tracks (like Indianapolis Motor Speedway), road courses (like Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course), and street circuits (like the streets of Long Beach, California).

Most races are single events, but some weekends feature two races back-to-back at the same location. The Indianapolis 500, held in May, is the centerpiece of the season and draws the largest crowds and television audience. The season finale is typically held in September or October at a major track.

Understanding race day timing

Race start times vary depending on the track and broadcast network. Some races start in the morning, others in the afternoon, and a few in the evening. The schedule always lists the local time at the track, so if you are watching from a different time zone, you will need to convert it. For example, a race listed as 2 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) would be 1 p.m. CT (Central Time) or 11 a.m. PT (Pacific Time).

Before race day, practice and may have access to sessions happen on earlier days or earlier in the race day itself. These sessions determine the starting order for the race. The schedule shows when these sessions begin, though exact times can shift if weather delays the day's activities.

What to do if a race date changes

IndyCar occasionally postpones or reschedules races due to weather, track conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. When this happens, IndyCar announces the change on their website and social media accounts. If you have downloaded the calendar file, you may need to read it again to see the updated date.

The best way to stay informed about changes is to follow IndyCar's official social media accounts on Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook, or to check IndyCar.com a day or two before each race. Television networks also announce schedule changes on their websites and apps.

How to watch races if you cannot attend in person

Most IndyCar races broadcast live on NBC or USA Network. If you have cable or a streaming service that includes these channels, you can watch through your provider's app or website. Peacock, NBC's streaming service, also carries some races, though not all.

International viewers can watch through various broadcasters depending on their country. IndyCar's website lists broadcasting partners by region. Some races may also be available through IndyCar's own streaming service or through sports streaming platforms, though availability varies.

Planning ahead for major races

If you want to attend a race in person, mark the date on your calendar as soon as the schedule is released. Popular races, especially the Indianapolis 500, sell out months in advance. Tickets go on sale at different times depending on the track, so check the specific track's website for ticket sale dates.

Travel and hotel reservations for major races should be made well ahead of time, particularly for the Indianapolis 500 in May. Parking information and track policies are usually posted on the track's website a few weeks before the race.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does IndyCar release the next season's schedule?

IndyCar typically releases the full schedule for the upcoming season in the fall of the previous year. The exact date varies, but it is usually announced by October or November. You can find the announcement on IndyCar.com and their social media accounts.

Can I add the IndyCar schedule to my phone calendar?

Yes. IndyCar.com offers a downloadable calendar file (usually in .ics format) that you can import into Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Outlook, or other calendar apps. This automatically adds all race dates and times to your phone or computer and can send you reminders.

What time zone is the schedule listed in?

The schedule on IndyCar.com lists times in the local time zone of each track. So a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway would be listed in Eastern Time, while a race in Long Beach, California would be in Pacific Time. Check the track location to know which time zone applies.

Do all IndyCar races broadcast on television?

Most IndyCar races broadcast on NBC or USA Network in the United States. A few races may have limited broadcast availability or may only be streamed. Check the broadcast information on IndyCar.com or the network's website to confirm how each race is shown in your area.

How far in advance should I buy tickets to a race?

For popular races like the Indianapolis 500, buy tickets as soon as they go on sale, which is usually several months before the race. For other races, tickets are often available closer to the date, but popular events can still sell out. Check the specific track's website for ticket sale dates and availability.