The 2025 IndyCar Season Runs 17 Races from March Through September

The 2025 IndyCar Series season begins in March and concludes in September with 17 races across North America. The schedule includes the Indianapolis 500 in May, the series' marquee event, plus oval tracks, road courses, and street circuits. Most races air on NBC or Peacock, with a few on USA Network. The full calendar is published on IndyCar.com and typically does not change once the season starts, though weather or mechanical issues occasionally force delays.

If you follow IndyCar, you need to know the exact dates and broadcast details because race times vary widely — some start in the morning, others in the evening — and streaming availability differs by event. This guide walks through the 2025 schedule, where to find tickets, and how to watch each race.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 IndyCar season has 17 races spread from March through September, with the Indianapolis 500 in May as the centerpiece event.
  • Most races broadcast on NBC or Peacock; a smaller number air on USA Network, so check the specific race details before race day.
  • Race start times vary significantly — some begin at 10 a.m., others at 6 p.m. or later — so confirm the time zone and broadcast channel for each event.
  • Tickets for most races are sold through individual track websites or Ticketmaster, while the Indy 500 uses its own ticketing system at indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

2025 IndyCar Race Calendar and Broadcast Information

The season opens with the St. Petersburg street circuit in early March, followed by races at Long Beach, Indianapolis (the 500), Detroit, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Toronto, Iowa, Nashville, Portland, Laguna Seca, and Monterey. Each track has its own character: ovals favor speed and fuel strategy, road courses reward braking and cornering, and street circuits demand precision in tight quarters. The exact dates and start times are confirmed by IndyCar in the off-season and posted on IndyCar.com by January.

NBC holds the primary broadcast rights for the 2025 season. Most races air live on NBC or stream on Peacock (NBC's streaming service, which requires a subscription). A handful of races may air on USA Network instead. may have access to sessions typically air on Peacock or USA Network the day before each race. If you plan to watch, verify the broadcast channel and start time for each specific race — do not assume all races follow the same pattern.

International viewers can watch through various regional broadcasters depending on location. Check your local cable or streaming provider for details if you are outside North America.

How to Get Tickets for 2025 IndyCar Races

Ticket sales for most IndyCar races open several months before the event. Each track operates its own ticketing system, so you will need to visit the specific track's website or Ticketmaster to purchase. General admission seats typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the track and seating location; premium or reserved seats cost more. Some tracks offer multi-day passes or season packages at a discount.

The Indianapolis 500 is the exception: tickets are sold exclusively through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's official site at indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The Indy 500 draws the largest crowd of the season and tickets often sell out weeks in advance, particularly for Turn 1 and the main grandstand. If you want to attend, purchase early in the sales window.

Many tracks offer parking passes separately from admission. Confirm whether parking is included with your ticket or if you need to buy it in advance. Some venues charge $20 to $50 for parking depending on location.

Understanding IndyCar Race Formats and What to Expect

IndyCar races vary in length and structure depending on the track type. Oval races like Indianapolis and Iowa typically run 200 laps or a set time limit, whichever comes first. Road courses and street circuits run a fixed number of laps, usually between 50 and 100. Most races last between two and three hours from start to finish, though weather delays or cautions can extend that time.

may have access to happens the day before each race and determines the starting grid. The driver with the fastest single lap starts first. During the race itself, drivers can pit for fuel, tires, and adjustments. Strategy — when to pit, how much fuel to save, tire wear management — often decides the winner as much as raw speed. Caution flags for accidents or debris bunch the field back together, creating opportunities for position changes late in the race.

If you are new to IndyCar, arrive early to watch practice sessions and may have access to. These sessions are often free to spectators and let you see the cars and drivers up close before the main event.

Streaming and Cable Viewing Options for 2025

Peacock is the primary streaming home for IndyCar in 2025. A Peacock Premium subscription costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. If you already subscribe to Peacock for other content, you can watch IndyCar races at no additional cost. Peacock also streams may have access to sessions and practice for most races, often with multiple camera angles and commentary options.

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes NBC or USA Network, you can watch races on those channels or stream them through the NBC app or USA Network app using your cable login. This option requires no additional subscription beyond your existing cable package.

Some races may be available through the IndyCar app or IndyCar.com, though this varies by event. Check the specific race details on IndyCar.com a few days before each event to confirm which streaming services carry it.

Planning Your IndyCar Season: Oval, Road Course, and Street Circuit Races

The 2025 schedule balances three track types, each with different viewing and attendance experiences. Oval races — Indianapolis, Iowa, and a few others — feature high speeds and close racing on the straights. If you attend in person, bring sunscreen and water; oval tracks offer less shade than road courses. Road courses like Road America and Laguna Seca showcase technical driving and are visually dramatic from the grandstands. Street circuits in St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Toronto, and Nashville run through city streets and offer multiple viewing angles depending on where you sit.

If you are planning to attend races in person, consider the travel distance and accommodation costs. Some races, like St. Petersburg and Long Beach, are part of larger racing weekends with other series, so hotels may book up early. The Indianapolis 500 in May draws visitors from across the country; book lodging well in advance if you plan to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do most IndyCar races start?

Start times vary by race and track. Some races begin at 10 a.m. or noon, while others start at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., or later. NBC schedules races to maximize viewership, so prime-time slots are common for major events. Always check the specific race details on IndyCar.com or the track's website before race day.

Do I need a Peacock subscription to watch IndyCar races?

Most 2025 races air on NBC or Peacock. If a race is on NBC, you can watch on cable or through the NBC app with your cable login. If it streams only on Peacock, you will need a Peacock subscription. Check the broadcast details for each race to confirm which service carries it.

Can I watch IndyCar races for free?

No. All 2025 IndyCar races require either a cable subscription (for NBC or USA Network broadcasts) or a Peacock subscription (for streaming races). Some races may offer limited free clips or highlights on IndyCar.com or social media, but live race broadcasts are not free.

How much do IndyCar race tickets cost?

General admission tickets typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the track and seating location. Premium or reserved seats cost more. The Indianapolis 500 is the most expensive event, with tickets often $100 to $300 or higher for good seats. Parking is usually sold separately and costs $20 to $50.

When does the 2025 IndyCar season end?

The 2025 season concludes in September with the final race, typically held at a road course or oval track. The exact date is confirmed by IndyCar in the off-season. Check IndyCar.com for the complete schedule and final race details.