On Thursday, Fox Sports announced that it would start broadcasting IndyCar races from 2025 onwards. This means Fox Sports will now cover two of the most significant races globally:
- The Indianapolis 500
- NASCAR’s Daytona 500
Coverage Details
- Fox Sports is already broadcasting the first half of the NASCAR schedule.
- The specifics of the deal between IndyCar and Fox Sports were not disclosed.
- Fox assured that all races would be aired nationally, along with the qualifying rounds for the Indy 500.
Previous Coverage
- Previously, NBC held the rights to IndyCar since 2009, with a recent extension reportedly valued at $20 million per season.
- However, NBC Sports had moved some coverage to its streaming platform, Peacock, and many races were only available on cable.
Fox Sports’ Plan
- Fox Sports confirmed that all IndyCar races would be broadcast on Fox and the Fox Sports app.
- Fox Deportes will provide exclusive Spanish-language coverage.
- Qualifying sessions and practices will be aired on cable channels FS1 or FS2.
Record-Breaking Deal
- This deal sets a record with 19 IndyCar events aired on broadcast television.
- IndyCar will be the sole premier motorsports series in the country with exclusive major network coverage for all its races.
- Unlike NASCAR, whose 2025 schedule spans across various networks.
Reactions
- IndyCar CEO Mark Miles expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the exposure and growth opportunities it presents.
- Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks welcomed the addition of the Indianapolis 500 to their lineup, highlighting their commitment to premier sporting events.
2025 Schedule Highlights
- The 2025 IndyCar schedule remains largely unchanged.
- The All-Star race is becoming a points race.
- Milwaukee will not host a doubleheader.
- The season will kick off on March 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conclude on August 31 in Nashville.