What is the IndyCar Series?
The NTT IndyCar Series is America's open-wheel championship — sanctioned by INDYCAR under Penske Entertainment — and its crown jewel is the Indianapolis 500, run at the Brickyard since 1911. The 2026 "500" produced the closest finish in the race's history: Felix Rosenqvist edging David Malukas with a last-lap pass; Alex Palou is the reigning series champion, a fourth title in five years.[1] [2]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank) | Indy 500: closest finish in history, over Malukas |
| 2025 | Alex Palou (Ganassi) | Indy 500 win + 4th series title |
| 2024 | Josef Newgarden (Penske) | Indy 500: back-to-back |
| 2023 | Josef Newgarden (Penske) | Indy 500: first win |
| 2022 | Marcus Ericsson (Ganassi) | Indy 500 |
| 2021 | Hélio Castroneves (Meyer Shank) | Indy 500: record-equalling 4th win |
| 2020 | Takuma Sato (RLL) | Indy 500: August race (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Simon Pagenaud (Penske) | Indy 500 |
| 2018 | Will Power (Penske) | Indy 500 |
| 2017 | Takuma Sato (Andretti) | Indy 500: first Japanese winner |
Indianapolis 500 winners of the last ten runnings.
How does it work?
Spec Dallara chassis with Chevrolet and Honda power race a season of ovals, road and street courses; the Indy 500's traditions — qualifying weekend, the 33-car field, the bottle of milk, the Borg-Warner Trophy — make it America's race. The USF Pro ladder (USF Juniors to Indy NXT) is the documented route in.[1] [3]
Why does it matter?
The Indy 500 is one leg of motorsport's Triple Crown and the largest single-day sporting event on Earth by attendance — an Indy ride, let alone a face on the Borg-Warner, is an elite credential, and the series draws champions from Formula 1's orbit and Latin America alike.[2] [3]
References
- IndyCar — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- IndyCar — 2026 Indianapolis 500 race results. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Indianapolis 500. Accessed August 2026.