The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone season begins on March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Before the first race, teams completed testing at Sebring International Raceway on February 17 and 18.
TV and Streaming Broadcast
This year, FOX Sports will be the new broadcasting partner, with all races airing on network TV in the U.S.. Additionally, there will be 19 national network broadcast windows, including the Indianapolis 500 qualifying on May 17 and 18. All content will also be available on the FOX Sports app.
Race Format and Hybrid Technology Changes
INDYCAR has extended lap counts for several races in 2025:
- Long Beach: 90 laps (+5)
- Mid-Ohio: 90 laps (+10)
- Iowa Speedway (doubleheader): 275 laps (+25)
- Toronto: 90 laps (+5)
- Nashville Superspeedway: 225 laps (+19)
The series will also fully integrate the hybrid system developed by Chevrolet and Honda, providing an increase of up to 120 horsepower when combined with Push to Pass on road and street circuits. Additionally, it will allow the engine to restart in the pits, optimizing pit stops and reducing the need for external assistance in case of a stall.
Regulation and Safety Adjustments
- Ovals: A designated location will be established for cars to pair up before the start, reducing the risk of incidents at the green flag.
- Restart zones: The restart zone on ovals will be extended, giving the leader more acceleration discretion.
- Pit lane speed limiter: Will be applied at Iowa Speedway, Nashville, and World Wide Technology Raceway to prevent unsafe pit entry maneuvers.
- EM Motorsport light panels: Will be used at all circuits to enhance the visibility of digital flag signals.
- Dashboard alerts: Drivers will receive yellow flag notifications on their dashboards, in addition to traditional flag signals on track.
Tire and Practice Changes
- 5 sets of alternate tires (one more than in 2024).
- 5 sets of primary tires (one less than in 2024).
- Full flexibility for teams in tire usage throughout the race weekend.
- Requirement to reserve one new set of alternates for the race.
Split-group practice sessions will expand to more street and road courses, excluding Road America. Additionally, short ovals will maintain high-line practice to improve grip in the upper lane.
INDY NXT by Firestone: Increased TV Exposure
The development series INDY NXT by Firestone will have all of its races broadcast live for the first time:
- 12 races on FS1.
- 2 races on FS2.
- Qualifying and practice sessions on FS1 and FS2.
For 2025, the grid is expected to be similar or larger than in 2024, with an average of 19.5 cars per race. Additionally, Chip Ganassi Racing returns to the series after more than 15 years of absence.
INDY NXT cars will feature updated rear wing endplates with LED rain lights, in line with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The prize fund remains at $1.4 million, with $850,000 awarded to the champion, applicable toward testing and participation in the 2026 Indianapolis 500.
Spanish-Language Broadcast and Streaming Options
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 2025 will air on FOX starting at 12 p.m. ET. Spanish-language coverage will be available on FOX Deportes, while the first INDY NXT race will start at 10 a.m. on FS1.
The INDYCAR Radio Network will provide coverage via SiriusXM and the official INDYCAR app.
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INDYCAR 2025: The Thermal Club Grand Prix Preview
First qualifying race at Thermal's exclusive private circuit
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