Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the 10 biggest moments of 2025 in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 22-31.

FOX Sports and INDYCAR made a strong first impression in their first season together.

Coverage of the 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES season averaged 1,362,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research, a 27 percent year-over-year increase from 2024. It was the sport’s most-watched season in 17 years. All races were on network television.

The audience gain was the most of any sport averaging at least a million viewers.

The strong numbers showed up in several ways:

  • The FOX/FS1 pairing with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES averaged 1,362,000 this season, a 27 percent increase from 2024 and the most since the 2008 post-merger season.
  • There was a massive lift in coveted 18-34 (an 81 percent gain) and 18-49 (51 percent gain) age demographics. The season also saw huge increases with women viewers – 18-34 (72 percent gain) and 18-49 (30 percent gain).
  • The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge delivered in grand fashion, bringing in 7.1 million viewers, a 41 percent increase over 2024 (5.024 million). It was the most-watched “500” in 17 years.
  • The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding delivered 1,418,000 viewers, a 14-year high and a 45 percent increase over the previous year.
  • The season finale at Nashville Superspeedway netted 1,142,000 viewers, a 136 percent increase from 2024. It was the most-watched Nashville race since 2021.

Midseason, the two companies came together in ownership, with FOX acquiring a one-third interest in Penske Entertainment, inclusive of INDYCAR and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The investment is expected to supercharge a new era of growth for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with enhanced promotion and a hyper-engaged digital strategy.

The July 31 announcement included a multi-year extension of INDYCAR’s media rights with FOX Sports.

“This partnership is built on long-standing trust and a shared vision for the future,” Roger Penske said. “FOX sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory. Lachlan Murdoch and his team, starting with Eric Shanks, are committed to our success and will bring incredible energy and innovation to INDYCAR.”

Said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports: “We’re thrilled to join the INDYCAR ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport. INDYCAR represents everything we value in live sports: passionate fans, iconic venues, elite competition and year-round storytelling potential. This investment underscores our commitment to motorsports and our belief in INDYCAR’s continued growth on and off the track. We’re excited to help elevate the sport to new heights across all platforms.”