State of IndyCar 2025

[@Grumpy_Stiltskin]

Holy Crap! It's a David Land video 😁

[@yrakcaz3064]

So hard to grab fans when the schedule is so spaced and limited. I'll get people to watch the season opener. Then oh, wait a month now for the next race. Then after that, 2 weeks off. I just don't get how the CEO see's this schedule and continues it year after year without adjustment. I guess it doesn't make a difference when as long as they have their INDY500, the series will always remain. The under 1.0 Championship race rating in 2024 finale speaks enough as the state of the sport. It's a one race series. Unfortunately.

[@Corew1n]

What in the fuck are you talking about? After St. Pete 2 weekends off, after Thermal 2 weekends off, after Long Beach 2 weekends off. From that point on it's essentially non-stop from the beginning of May until the end of August (4 Months) with only a few weekends off spread out between 14 races. The 500 draws by far the most eyes, carrying that into a 13 race stretch with hardly any breaks in the weekends is FAR more important than a weak start. The Arlington Grand Prix fills out more of the 2026 early season as well. Quit being a fucking downer.

[@andreafossati2147]

So? What is the problem to being “one race” series? The sport born and exist in reason of Indy 500. Why should it risk bankruptcy only to compete against F1 or NASCAR ?? Be serious dude.

[@Mijack1]

​@@andreafossati2147 Have fun getting low ratings.

[@sgtpepper6379]

​@@andreafossati2147the problem is the rest of the series feels unimportant and obtuse. It's a league for those who can't cut it in F1. Saying this as someone who has zero interest in F1.

[@andreafossati2147]

But why are you comparing with F1??? F1 is a WORLD series. It born and developed as it and its focus always been the CHAMPIONSHIP before the single events! Of course all drivers that have a chance wants to compete in! INDYCAR means CAR OF INDIANAPOLIS! As already said the series exist only because of Indianapolis 500 and always had regional and continental focus. Team owners under CART directions already tried to make the series global, without Indy, and failed highly… So what s the point?! Don t you like the rest of the series?? Go to watch NASCAR!! Or some others! Bye bye

[@pawsofthephantompi]

linus lundqvist got absolutely screwed

[@ic3man]

Perfect example for why the charter system shouldn’t be a thing

[@superninjaracer9971]

Rings VeeKay too

[@billwinslow9467]

He doesn’t bring money to the team. It’s just reality and has always been that way

[@ic3man]

@ talk about a one season wonder

[@charliepalmer3244]

The move Devlin made at the Gallagher GP was the move of the year in '23. My opinion.

[@fvanalst6991]

13:50 "A Purple 91 car" for Helio at Indy. I see what you did there. Well Played, David. Well Played.

[@patrickdurst9623]

Hi there - a European racing fan here… Watching F1 for over 40 years and following Indy more and more for about 10 years… I understand the value of the Indy 500 Even here it is the biggest thing Do never forget: the triple crown is Monte Carlo F1 / Indy 500 / Le Mans F1 has an American management for a while now and they change a hell lot of stuff… kicking out traditional European races for races in Arabia Asia and your USA… while expanding the calendar to 26 races . So yes - we share some problems… and others are totally different… I would love to see a bigger and even more international schedule for the Indy car series. But not for boring/chaotic city courses. St. Pete is great , Long Beach a classic but that’s about it… you have awesome tracks around the states but as with F1 in Europe it’s all about money… Indy should do a roadtrip around the world in a hand full of additional races: Suzuka Japan (for Honda) Spa Francorchamps & Silverstone (for me) Kyalami South Africa (for the continent) Bathurst Australia (for all Aussies and the worlds 2nd best track after Nordschleife) I know we are past Christmas but hey - never stop dreaming 🖖 Thx for everything as always dear David 🫶🏻

[@ic3man]

VeeKay/Lundqvist better get those Coyne seats

[@sams-pg7hj]

I think Veekay has a better chance

[@ic3man]

@ definitely true

[@stephenlongere1140]

It’s all about $$$ if you don’t bring any then you’re not driving for Coyne.

[@ic3man]

@ true

[@user-tv1le7sw2l]

Indy needs to lengthen their season.

[@PaperBanjo64]

Agreed

[@Treeline4803]

Not so much lengthen but more like fill in the huge early season calendar gaps with more races.

[@sams-pg7hj]

cant lengthen, cant go up against football in September, and there aren't alot of places domestically they can go in early season due to winter. They could add Mexico or move a few things around, but the schedule is also based on TV and the tracks themselves organizing their schedules

[@user-tv1le7sw2l]

@sams-pg7hj that's ridiculous. Step your game up son.

[@arthurvillegas5586]

I pray, hope Indycar has a safe Good, Great season, 2025 !

[@benjaminchidwick9418]

Been seeing a lot of news around Indycar, was waiting for this video! Thanks David!

[@KalouIslands]

I want Rinus Veekay back he’s a good driver if he got a good team he can compete much more.

[@PaperBanjo64]

Yeah him and Lundqvuist (driver in the CGR 8 I probably spelled his name wrong) both should be back.

[@KPDigitalTravel]

Rinus and Linus...my mind is blown!!! 🤯

[@Christianntaylor]

And Romain

[@anthony0358]

Alex Palou has 3 Indy Car Titles. Newgarden is seeking history, 3 Indy500 in a row would be more important than a 3rd series title. But after Indy then he can focus on getting a first championship since 2019

[@gailfroelich9633]

Great info before Indy. Glad to see Malukas in the lineup.

[@jaycromheecke3264]

this is a great video. so helpful honestly

[@AuteryMotorsports]

My honest opinion I’ve wanted to get more into indycar just because of them in IRacing with some race on Big Fox it’ll be easier to watch them so my excitement is through the roof to get into indycar

[@DirtBikeSessions]

Looking forward to all your content this yet 😎

[@stevenkilsdonk2046]

1989 Indy 500 pre-race in the background.

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I already miss Rinus Veekay.

[@atomichound1868]

And RLL being bottom right is poetic since they routinely qualify and/or finish there.

[@robertcook4215]

Actually I think it's the last year Herta could be taken seriously for F1. He needs to win the championship or win a lot of races or at the very least trash O'Ward and Palou in the points. Andretti needs to make him the clear #1 driver and he needs to run with it.

[@davidhyson9910]

@robertcook4215 I'm lock-step with ya. He bounces from flash in the pan to outta the park. What he needs is consistency and to reclaim his hot shit Cali persona. Lead, follow or get the hell outta the way. And that includes his right to climb into F1.

[@danielhenderson8316]

According to Herta, he received his Super License back in September. He's good to go now.

[@John-jl9de]

Thanks, great report.

[@Azframer]

Colton Herta was so close to being the champion for 2024. His 2 races at Indy set him back. He ran out of gas during qualifying on the road course and it put him too far in the hole to recover as many points. The 500 the spin messed his nose up and he got out prematurely when all he needed to do was change his nose. I know there was another thing, Newgarden slammed him from behind and punted him hard.

[@andrewprentice8857]

Being an Aussie myself, I am a huge Will Power fan. Having said that, I feel that he needs to do something awesome in the 2025 season if he wants to stay with Penske. He would do well to win at Indy or take a championship (or get damn close to either one). Hopefully the fire still burns in Will's heart.

[@cookinginthedark6768]

Thanks David!

[@Crypteass]

Wonder which driver/s on the Mclaren team will get replaced before the end of the season.

[@morris-00]

Locking in for the Ilott - prema cook sesh this season.

[@jmcmotorsportstv]

I wish Indycar would come back to Australia. Give us a race.

[@Jackbyrne77]

Thanks David. Great stuff.

[@Angelbonilla1982]

Man!! Theo pourchaire need to be there!! That siegel kid!! Get him out there!!

[@dynamoproductions5]

I don't think it should come at Siegel's expense, but Theo definitely deserved another chance somewhere!

[@danielhenderson8316]

@@dynamoproductions5 I think Siegel also brings money that Theo does not.

[@arthurvillegas5586]

DL a Good video !

[@billhowell5955]

David, just to let you know! AJ Foyt will be 90 on January 16 th.

[@thunderstruckdjs]

OMG that wall hit at 15:15! What year was that? Looks to be 1985-ish. Why in the world would ANY human being choose to get into one of these rockets? Thank God they do. Prayers for a successful and safe 2025 racing season, and thank you David for ALL you do.

[@Treeline4803]

That crash was Jim Crawford, during practice for the 1989 Indy 500 after a rear suspension piece broke. The car was already qualified 4th on the grid, so the tub of the 1987 Lola/Buick he wrecked was actually sent back to Lola Cars in England and repaired just in time for Carb Day (which used to be held on the Thursday before the race)

[@joegangi6110]

The last two back-to-back Indianapolis 500 winners (Al Unser Sr. & Helio Castroneves) finished second in their attempts for three straight victories.

[@diogosilva27]

At the moment for Indy there are 27 full time entries plus 2 Dreyer and Reinbold plus 4 additional entries from McLaren, Andretti, Carpenter and Meyer Shank. Total = 33. We may see another RLL entry but who else would join to get to your 36 estimate ?

[@sams-pg7hj]

Ganassi had a rumor they were fielding a car, and Tom Brady has been lightly rumored and linked to another Jimmie Johnson run

[@Unser1992]

Yo DL, love what you do man, met you a few times in Indy, looking forward to 2025. One point of contention, I have never spoken to a single driver that would focus more on the title vs. another 500, especially Joseph. Are you certain about that statement?

[@kylegoodman5196]

I think Penske's lineup will stay the same unless Will Power retires.

[@jugheadjones5458]

I don’t think Power will retire anytime soon, unless Penske retires him. But he’d get picked up by another team. However, Indycar is fickle so who knows?

[@davidius74]

Totally agree. Will has been with the team so long he will be walking away from the car with a walking frame before he loses his seat. Scotty Mac drove for many year in the Penske system in V8 Supercars with DJR-Penske and he only got over to Indycar because of Roger, so I think he will also stay.

[@ItsMaryWork]

6:21 Isn't Palou a 3x IndyCar champion?

[@oc3422]

Yes 3x

[@ericrickert3045]

I want to learn more about who will drive. I'm not sure if I like this charter system since low car count will be due to team cannot add another car even though they have one ready.

[@Gangsta_Playz]

If MacLaughlin wasn't DSQ'd in St. Pete, he would've won the title on countback over Palou

[@kylelisk28]

And he didn’t get many points in Long Beach basically no points in the first 2 races. Hell of a season by those standards

[@shredhead4604]

Whose We

[@Gangsta_Playz]

@@shredhead4604 he*

[@MostlyBlindMitch]

Every time he says "shoe", take a drink.

[@almattei88]

I wonder what the lineup is going to be in the Fox booth ….

[@Ronald_JonesMinakoLover]

6:22 *3 times*

[@ic3man]

Was about to comment that myself. You beat me to it

[@ronaldtushi]

maybe up your screen share game

[@marklangren3142]

Power either wins the 500 or championship or retires

[@Christianntaylor]

How about all 3

[@superninjaracer9971]

This grid is a downgrade from 2024! No Lundqvist and Veekay while Defranshitshow has returned.

[@dsmguy83]

While you may be right, I still think Newgarden would want to cement a 3-peat at Indy, over a series title. Hell, being the Indy 500 winner is a bigger deal to some, than winning the championship.

[@ceeam]

Overstressing the 500 over the whole other championship can ultimately only lead to the 500 being raced in Nascar Cup cars in the long run.

[@danielhenderson8316]

He's already got 2 series championships. A third 500 in a row is a feat no one has accomplished.

[@chrish931]

I know Prema usually has a Ferrari academy driver in one of their F2 cars, is it the same with IndyCar and is Shwartzman still in the Ferrari academy.

[@Petilappen]

AFAIK he left the Ferrari Driver Academy at the end of 2022

[@chrish931]

@@Petilappen Thanks for the answer, I know he was in the 499p last year in WEC wasn't sure if he was still in the program or not

[@michaelcrider7729]

What tv is the races on?

[@rexthewolf3149]

@@michaelcrider7729 fox

[@Wattvoltage1960]

David - I know this is an Indianapolis only market issue, but could you please provide some information as to how the local Indianapolis Fox affiliate will handle the Indy 500 telecast on race day? Previously, the NBC affiliate would show a tape delay broadcast later in the day in observance of the IMS local backout rule. However, since Fox will also air the Charlotte NASCAR race, that would prevent the Indianapolis Fox affiliate from showing the Indy race in the evening. Perhaps something could be worked out with the FS1 and FS2 networks. But would like to get your take on how this might play out or if you have heard how it will play out. Thanks.

[@PaperBanjo64]

FOX isn't showing the 600 anymore, that's on Amazon Prime now.

[@Wattvoltage1960]

@ Okay. Thanks!

[@lyrictenor1]

4:49 Did I hear him say "Chip Ginasty Racing?"

[@marklangren3142]

Mclaughlin for the chance of a chamoiinshio

[@davidius74]

Yeah David has now jinxed him and it won't happen.

[@marklangren3142]

Wrong 3 500 in a row would make history

[@shredhead4604]

Yes 🤙🏁

[@davidhyson9910]

Hmmmm no mention of Linus?

[@edwardburek1717]

Get ready chat - only 15 more weeks until Indy 500 Month! I think Alexander Rossi will do very well this season - never underestimate the value and power of coffee!

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

Good video but it look like you were showing a collage of drivers you were announcing but we wouldn't know bc you had that damn team lineup thing blocking everything.

[@tweek218]

What?

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

@tweek218 during the video their was that driver grid thing that blocked the screen of what he was showing behind it. Rather not have that stupid grid photo. Would rather of seen the motion action going on behind that grid line up.

[@tweek218]

@@edwardgensheimer6640 I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not. The driver pictures and grid that are “blocking” the video is the specific thing he is talking about the entire time. He is going line-by-line talking about the 2025 team line ups. The footage in the background has nothing to do with what he is talking about.

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

@tweek218 well it's a stationary picture that's tiny as hell. I must be getting old bc I can't make it out. I couldn't tell where he was at by the photo. No big deal I guess. That through me off and I tried to start paying attention what I could see going on in background. Sorry, thanks for your time.

[@jack4688]

6:22 *thrice an IndyCar champion

[@michaelheimple8579]

No Romain Grojsean this upcoming season?

[@VirmanaMarketing]

What happened to Enzo?

[@atomichound1868]

Gotta disagree David; Joe New with a chance at doing something that’s never been done…gotta be at the top of the list.

[@randylloyd6612]

And I think a 3peat is what Roger wants. Then finish the season as a contender.

[@thejman3489]

It's sort of a sour one because Race Control screwed over Marcus Ericsson. He should have had back to back Indy 500 wins, not Joesef Newgarden.

[@JonDoe-ln6nl]

Do you mean without cheating?

[@edwardgensheimer6640]

Newgarden wins both. He and Penske sure don't go out to want one over the other. Both for sure.

[@BrotherJP333SP]

I think Lundgaard will do really well with McLaren this season.

[@John-kx3ng]

Scott McLaughlin will drive in Cup in2026 replacing Cindric.

[@GregoryMyers-r3k]

Open a Canapino!

[@SquiggyWigginz]

I see Louis Foster leaving Rahal for Penske. I see Santino and David crushing it this season. I see Felix blaming Marcus. I see Kyfin Simpson dieing in a flaming crash. I see Conor finding Jesus.

[@michaeldelaney7271]

Oh Joy! Another season of Vintage Car racing. One-Design Vintage Car Racing, but it's the best we can do in the USA, I guess.

[@rexthewolf3149]

I mean the last time America was known for innovation in the car industry was the the 1970s so yeah this is literally the best the the USA can do.

[@SSinister_Grin]

​@@rexthewolf3149 Who gives AF about the car industry now? It's all trash even the Japanese makes are all crap.

[@chrispraz877]

Yeah, it's pretty sad, nothing new to get excited about. Hybrid was a giant waste of money, and a trip down the wrong road .

[@janremongalura5713]

Sad eh?

[@michaeldelaney7271]

@@rexthewolf3149 Sadly you are so right. You might even say since the 1960's. Back then we had thin-wall cast engines, (gigantic) front-wheel-drive cars (Toronado), Unit Bodies were the norm and disc brakes were finally available on American cars. In the 1950's & '60's, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes were using American automatic transmissions (from GM). Also, in the 1960's the Ford Falcon compacts, Mustang "Pony Cars" and Econoline vans were introduced ... all copied soon after by GM (Chevy II, aka "Me Too," Camaro and Chevy Van/Handi-Van). Some critics might say that the Mustang was really Ford's "Karmann-Ghia" and the Econoline was their "VW Kombi" (i.e. based on their compact sedan). Of course, when Chrysler Corp. "invented" the Minivan concept in the 1980's, no one noticed it was just a reiteration of the VW Kombi and the Ford Econoline. But, I digress ...

[@brucebruce7816]

😊

[@captainjosue]

I hope that Newgarden doesn't win this years indy 500.

[@pablohabibefigueiredo7142]

Rossi and Ericson are a mystery for me. Both did nothing in F1, even compared to their teammates at the time... Prema's lineup is way better...

[@master2dope]

Rossi only had like 5 races in the worst car/team at the time in Manor Marussia

[@optimalpowersimracing6625]

This series will never grow until you lot stop mentioning the Indy 500, over and over... The amount of times it was said in this video is astonishing. How much you guys over blow and latch on to it, is at your detriment 100%, because people in this country are walking around talking about Formula 1, talking about NASCAR.. They probably don't know Indy Car even exist outside of the 500, and they're not talking about the 500, so lets not pretend... For the love of God, grow this series beyond a 14 race domestic series, where a single race is bigger than the entire championship.

[@thatonenigeriansformula]

Honestly I gotta agree the obsession at times is borderline strange

[@thatonenigeriansformula]

I think it’s especially concerning that driver spot in the sport is being entirely based on how well they do in ONE race, so what so and so had a good 500 they crashed at every other race why keep them. The fact grosjean was let go over sting ray took almost all the credibility this sport had smh

[@andreafossati2147]

Talking about NASCAR?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 If you mean about how much NASCAR is declining due to incompetent management, stupid point system, politically correct and rich kids drivers and horrible cars, so yes…

[@thatonenigeriansformula]

@@andreafossati2147 this can apply to most of the big 3 series though Indycar, nascar and f1 are fucking up but Indycar is doing it by far the worst

[@PaperBanjo64]

IndyCar doesn't know how to promote their series, and putting a lame race at Detroit AFTER the 500 drives off potential new fans.

[@luisanamillan4437]

MACACULAY CULKIN 26 FEBRERO 1981

[@master2dope]

Poor Juri Vips

[@Thefrogbread]

Tingray bob

[@JOHANNESwhoelse]

Now I really want to see the purple WeatherTech/Red Bull 91 at the Indy 500, raising the number of New Zealanders to 4. And I want to see Newgarden score a DNS at the Indy 500 due to an engine misfire. He's Indycar's version of Homelander. He deserves to be embarrassed.

[@SuperZero0ne]

Equating Newgarden to Homelander is quite the L take.

[@samwrite5119]

I think you will see SVG in an Indycar in the long term future, but after speaking with SVG while back home racing a sprintcar, it sounds like his short term focus is on Nascar. Interesting thing is Will Brown (an Australian) and current Australian supercars champion testing the waters in open wheel world competing in rounds of the Formula Regional Championship (the old Toyota Racing Series) that Liam Lawson has won with SVG winning the NZ GP in 2021. Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda have also competed in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand. Will Brown looking towards the future and a possible replacement Australian in an Indycar team when Will Power retires.

[@JOHANNESwhoelse]

@@samwrite5119 Another Will from Toowoomba breaking into the open-wheel sphere? I'm all down for it!

[@JOHANNESwhoelse]

@@SuperZero0ne I don't know what an L-take is supposed to be and i don't care.

[@rileybaird1544]

Hi

[@TylerOwen28]

Indy car state will be not great until they go back to homestead, Michigan and maybe kansas. Change my mind. I get bored or road courses and sub 1.5 mile ovals

[@marklangren3142]

Daly goes to a third rate team no podiu.s and at best a fifth. Time to consider retirement

[@cvillalobos27]

He got the team its first podium in 2024

[@marklangren3142]

@cvillalobos27 But the team is short on money no alliances to a power team and he is getting old, plus he spends too much time on social media rather than on a simulator

[@thatonenigeriansformula]

@@cvillalobos27that was only one position better than grosjean who got a 4th at a road course, that was arguably a harder race to finish than Daly’s podium

[@ceeam]

1. The season is too short, criminally so. 2. There are more Indycar fans and interest abroad than in the US (whether or not you include Canada yet, lol) 3. Aeroscreen was a mistake. Yes, it was.

[@dominicbarden4436]

1) In terms of the number of races, I think it's fine (maybe could have a couple more though). It's just that they're all packed into a small window. I mean, this year we have 6 races from March-May then 11 from June-August, with races happening every week in July! Surely they could spread them out a bit more, finish the season in October perhaps? 2) Is there more interest abroad? I wouldn't know as I'm part of that outside interest (I'm British). But hasn't IndyCar typically struggled against NASCAR for quite a while as it is (thanks at least in part to the Split), even with the state of that series at the moment? (I hope Canada doesn't become another US state!) 3) If not the Aeroscreen, what would you use? I think these days there has to be some form of cockpit protection in single seaters, and would the halo stand up to the big shunts that can happen in oval racing?

[@I_Evo]

​@dominicbarden44363. All other open wheel series seem content with the Halo. And the IndyCar aeroscreen does have a halo underlying it. Zhou Guanyu traveling at 160mph upside down on it and of course Grosjean survived going through a barrier. But in the most litigious country in the World once IndyCar adopted the screen we all knew/know it's never going to be taken away.

[@sams-pg7hj]

@@I_Evo Im surprised after the Massa incident that F1 has not gone further into trying to adapt a screen to their cars.

[@donstevenson2660]

If they insist on racing vintage cars, the obvious choice would bring back F5000.

[@antoniovieira6751]

Bring back Reynards, Lolas, Swifts, Eagles, Penskes, Truesports, Galmers...

[@markhunt7434]

​@antoniovieira6751 lol majority of those don't exist anymore😂😂😂😂

[@mattembury215]

Well we know there will NOT be bumping at Indy in May as Penske, Ganassi, Andretti, & McLaren retaliate for not getting the 25/8 rule reimplemented for 2025

[@RobJaskula]

New car yet? Tuned out indycar years ago. Nothing to follow with the engineering.

[@lightsoutracingproductions]

even with a new car, once that gets released, its spec, so what would you follow engineering wise regardless of new car or not? This is just hatebaiting and if you didnt pay attention, why watch the video or comment?

[@janremongalura5713]

Big time hoping that a group that has a love of racing makes a true open wheel racing series, rather than the regional one we have now.

[@michaelloughman6696]

Indy car will ALWAYS be the third racing series until they get their heads out of their asses and stop competing with F1 and understand it's an AMERICAN sport. 1st American DO NOT like follow the leader racing of road courses. 2nd because of the follow the leader racing teams select drivers NOONE KNOWS SO NOONE CARES

[@oliverwells7342]

What a negative point of view. Many people know lots about these drivers.

[@markhunt7434]

​@oliverwells7342 he's likely a IRL stan from its open wheel nascar days

[@DaveyKos]

Hey David. Surely Connor Zillich should get a test for the GM Cadillac F1 team