IndyCar betting guide

• What Is IndyCar?
• News & Picks
• Betting Sites
• How To Bet
• Betting Strategies
• Schedule & Results
• Teams & Drivers
• Indy500 Guide
• Records & FAQ
• Champions List

IndyCar is one of the most exciting motorsport series in the world, combining high-speed oval racing with technical road and street circuits. For fans, it’s not only about the thrill of the race but also the opportunities it brings in the betting markets. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just curious about wagering on motorsport, understanding how IndyCar works is the first step to making informed bets.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from the basics of IndyCar racing and the 2025 schedule, to the best betting sites, odds, strategies, and tips for the famous Indy 500. By the end, you’ll have a complete overview of the sport and a clear pathway to placing smarter bets on the championship.

What is IndyCar Racing?

IndyCar is United States top open-wheel racing series, known for its mix of high-speed ovals, technical road courses, and tight street circuits. The cars are single-seater machines capable of hitting over 230 mph (370 km/h), making them some of the fastest in motorsport. The championship’s headline event is the Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s biggest car races, while other popular stops include Long Beach, Road America, and Texas Motor Speedway.

IndyCar vs Formula 1: Key differences

IndyCar is often compared to Formula 1, but the two series differ greatly. F1 teams build unique cars, creating big performance gaps, while IndyCar uses a spec chassis with engines from Honda and Chevrolet, ensuring closer racing. This parity means underdogs regularly challenge for wins, giving bettors more value compared to F1, where a handful of drivers usually dominate.

How the IndyCar season works

The season runs from March to September with around 17 races. Points are awarded for finishes, pole position, and laps led, rewarding consistency across different track types. Legendary teams like Penske and Ganassi remain strong, but the competitive format means surprises are common.

Why IndyCar is great for betting

IndyCar’s unpredictability makes it especially appealing for punters. With more drivers capable of winning and dramatic swings in form, betting markets are wider and more rewarding. From the Indy 500 to the championship futures, IndyCar offers unique opportunities to find value.

IndyCar Latest Betting Picks & News

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Best IndyCar betting sites in September,2025

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Finding the right sportsbooks is essential when betting on IndyCar. The best betting sites not only provide competitive IndyCar odds, but also offer market depth (outright winners, podium finishes, driver matchups, fastest lap, futures) and exclusive sports betting bonuses. Choosing a trusted sportsbook also ensures fast payouts, live betting options, and special motorsport bonuses.

Best IndyCar betting apps in 2025

For punters on the go, betting apps make it easy to back your picks from anywhere — whether it’s live wagering during the Indy 500 or placing futures bets on the championship. The best apps combine speed, clean design, and push notifications for promos and odds boosts.

With apps like these, you can back your picks from anywhere — whether it’s the opening race at St. Pete or the last-lap shootout at the Indy 500.

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How to Bet on IndyCar Races (bet types)

Betting on IndyCar offers a wide range of options beyond simply picking a winner. Below are the most popular IndyCar bet types, each with their own strategy and risk level.

1. Race Winner (Outright Betting)

The most straightforward IndyCar wager is backing the driver you believe will win a specific race. This is the highest-reward market, but also the riskiest since anything from pit strategy to cautions can change the result. Outright bets are most popular at major events like the Indianapolis 500.

2. Podium Finish (Top 3)

This option pays out if your chosen driver finishes in the top three positions. While odds are shorter than outright bets, it’s a safer approach and a good way to back consistent performers who may not always win but regularly feature at the front.

3. Head-to-Head Matchups

Sportsbooks often pit two drivers against each other, and your bet is simply on which one finishes higher. These bets are perfect for bettors who closely follow form, as even mid-field battles can create strong value opportunities.

4. Futures Betting (Championship Odds)

Futures markets allow you to bet on the winner of the IndyCar Championship or major races like the Indy 500 long before the event. These wagers are season-long and often offer generous odds, making them attractive for bettors with an eye on driver consistency and momentum.

5. Props & Specials

Prop bets cover unique markets such as who will secure pole position, set the fastest lap, or lead the most laps in a race. These are especially popular during big events, giving bettors additional angles beyond the outright winner. Props can be a fun way to diversify bets while following specific race dynamics.

IndyCar Betting Tips and Strategies

Winning in IndyCar betting isn’t just about luck — it’s about understanding the variables that shape each race. With such a competitive field, bettors who research our sports betting tips and strategize often find the most value.

1. Study track types

IndyCar’s calendar mixes ovals, street circuits, and permanent road courses. Some drivers excel on ovals, while others dominate technical tracks. Always consider track history before betting.

2. Watch driver form

Momentum matters. A driver who strings together consistent top-five finishes is often a stronger long-term bet than one who occasionally wins but lacks consistency.

3. Don’t ignore qualifying

Starting position plays a huge role in IndyCar results. Pole sitters and front-row starters historically convert more wins, especially on road and street circuits.

4. Factor in pit strategy

IndyCar races are often decided in the pits. Teams with faster and more reliable pit crews can swing outcomes, particularly during late-race cautions.

5. Look for value, not just favorites

Because IndyCar is unpredictable, favorites don’t always deliver. Mid-field drivers often present better odds and realistic chances of winning or finishing on the podium.

6. Manage your bankroll

Like all motorsport betting, risk can be high. Setting limits and spreading bets across different markets (winner, podium, head-to-head) reduces exposure.

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2025 IndyCar Schedule

The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series will run from March through September, featuring a balanced mix of ovals, street circuits, and permanent road courses. This variety is what makes IndyCar unique — and unpredictable from a betting perspective. Track specialists often emerge on certain circuits, while all-rounders tend to thrive in the championship chase.

Below is the full 2025 IndyCar schedule with race dates and venues:

IndyCar Teams and Drivers in 2025

A.J. Foyt Enterprises

• Established: 1966
• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Owner: A.J. Foyt
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• David Malukas (USA) – young prospect with strong pace on short ovals
• Santino Ferrucci (USA) – aggressive racer, standout Indy 500 performer

Andretti Global

• Established: 2003
• Headquarters: Fishers, Indiana
• Owner: Dan Towriss
• Engine Manufacturer: Honda

Drivers:

• Colton Herta (USA) – star driver with multiple IndyCar wins and a reputation for raw speed
• Kyle Kirkwood (USA) – rising young gun with breakthrough victories in 2023–24
• Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) – 2022 Indy 500 winner and consistent front-runner
• Marco Andretti (USA) – veteran racer making selected appearances in the 2025 season

Arrow McLaren

• Established: 1970
• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Owner: McLaren Racing
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Pato O’Ward (Mexico) – team leader with multiple IndyCar wins and explosive speed
• Nolan Siegel (USA) – talented rookie stepping into a full-time seat in 2025
• Christian Lundgaard (Denmark) – consistent points scorer and 2022 IndyCar Rookie of the Year
• Kyle Larson (USA) – NASCAR star returning for his second Indy 500 attempt

Chip Ganassi Racing

• Established: 1990
• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Owner: Chip Ganassi
• Engine Manufacturer: Honda

Drivers:

• Kyffin Simpson (Cayman Islands) – promising young talent
• Scott Dixon (New Zealand) – veteran six-time champion
• Alex Palou (Spain) – 2024 points leader with 5 wins

Dale Coyne Racing

• Established: 1984
• Headquarters: Plainfield, Illinois
• Owner: Dale Coyne
• Engine Manufacturer: Honda

Drivers:

• Jacob Abel (USA) – rookie talent stepping up from Indy NXT with strong potential
• Rinus VeeKay (Netherlands) – aggressive racer known for speed on ovals and road courses

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Cusick Motorsports

• Established: 1999
• Headquarters: Carmel, Indiana
• Owner: Dennis Reinbold & Don Cusick
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Ryan Hunter-Reay (USA) – 2014 Indy 500 winner and seasoned IndyCar veteran
• Jack Harvey (UK) – experienced driver aiming to rebuild momentum in 2025

Ed Carpenter Racing

• Established: 2012
• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Owner: Ed Carpenter
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Alexander Rossi (USA) – 2016 Indy 500 winner joining ECR in 2025
• Christian Rasmussen (Denmark) – 2023 Indy NXT champion entering his second full IndyCar season
• Ed Carpenter (USA) – team owner/driver and three-time Indy 500 polesitter

Juncos Hollinger Racing

• Established: 2017
• Headquarters: Speedway, Indiana
• Owner: Ricardo Juncos & Brad Hollinger
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Alexander Rossi (USA) – 2016 Indy 500 winner joining ECR in 2025
• Christian Rasmussen (Denmark) – 2023 Indy NXT champion entering his second full IndyCar season
• Ed Carpenter (USA) – team owner/driver and three-time Indy 500 polesitter

Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian

• Established: 2017
• Headquarters: Pataskala, Ohio
• Owner: Jim Meyer & Michael Shank
• Engine Manufacturer: Honda

Drivers:

• Helio Castroneves (Brazil) – four-time Indy 500 winner chasing a historic fifth victory
• Felix Rosenqvist (Sweden) – versatile racer returning for his second season with MSR
• Marcus Armstrong (New Zealand) – 2023 Rookie of the Year beginning his first full-time season with the team

PREMA Racing

• Established: 2025
• Headquarters: Fishers, Indiana
• Owner: Angelo Rosin
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Robert Shwartzman (Israel) – rookie talent making his full-time IndyCar debut in 2025
• Callum Ilott (UK) – proven performer bringing valuable IndyCar experience to PREMA’s first season

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

• Established: 1992
• Headquarters: Zionsville, Indiana
• Owner: Bobby Rahal, David Letterman, & Michael Lanigan
• Engine Manufacturer: Honda

Drivers:

• Graham Rahal (USA) – experienced team leader with multiple IndyCar wins
• Devlin DeFrancesco (Canada) – young driver aiming to build consistency in 2025
• Louis Foster (UK) – 2024 Indy NXT champion making his full-time IndyCar debut
• Takuma Sato (Japan) – two-time Indy 500 winner returning for a part-time role

Team Penske

• Established: 1968
• Headquarters: Mooresville, North Carolina
• Owner: Roger Penske & Penske Racing Inc.
• Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet

Drivers:

• Josef Newgarden (USA) – two-time IndyCar champion and defending Indy 500 winner
• Scott McLaughlin (New Zealand) – rising star and Penske’s top championship finisher in recent seasons
• Will Power (Australia) – two-time IndyCar champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner

Indy 500 betting guide 2025

The Indianapolis 500 is the crown jewel of the IndyCar season and one of the most bet-on motorsport events in the world. Known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” it attracts millions of dollars in wagers each year and features some of the most competitive markets in all of motorsport. For both casual fans and serious bettors, the Indy 500 offers unique opportunities that differ from standard IndyCar races.

Indy 500 odds

Sportsbooks release odds months in advance, making the Indy 500 a popular futures market. Prices fluctuate dramatically after qualifying, so betting early can often secure higher-value odds before favorites shorten. Comparing odds across multiple betting sites is essential, as gaps between sportsbooks are often wider for marquee events like the Indy 500.

Indy 500 bet types

All standard IndyCar markets are available — race winner, podium finish, head-to-head matchups, fastest lap, pole position, and laps led. The Indy 500 also includes special props such as number of caution flags, margin of victory, or whether the race will go into overtime. These props give punters additional angles to play beyond the outright winner.

Indy 500 betting tips

• Qualifying is crucial: The Indy 500 grid is large, and starting position plays a huge role in who contends.
• Watch team strength: Penske, Ganassi, and Andretti historically dominate this race.
• Consider longshots: The Indy 500 often produces surprise winners, making it one of the best races to back underdogs at big odds.

The Indy 500 isn’t just the highlight of the IndyCar calendar — it’s a highlight of the global betting calendar. No other race offers this level of history, unpredictability, and wagering potential.

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IndyCar Championship records

• Most Championships
  A.J. Foyt holds the record with 7 IndyCar championships.
• Most IndyCar Race Wins
  Scott Dixon has won 59 IndyCar races, making him the all-time leader among active drivers.
• Most Indianapolis 500 Wins (Driver)
  Helio Castroneves, Rick Mears, A.J. Foyt, and Al Unser are tied with 4 Indy 500 victories each.
• Most Indianapolis 500 Wins (Team)
  Team Penske leads with 20 Indy 500 victories, the most by any team.
• Youngest Race Winner
  Colton Herta became the youngest race winner at 18 years and 359 days old.
• Oldest Race Winner
  Mario Andretti won at the age of 53 years and 34 days, making him the oldest winner.
• Most Consecutive Championships
  Sebastien Bourdais won 4 straight titles from 2004 to 2007.

IndyCar FAQ

• How does the IndyCar points system work?
  Drivers earn 50 points for a win, 40 for second, 35 for third, and decreasing down the order. Bonus points are awarded for pole position (+1), leading a lap (+1), and leading the most laps (+2).
• What are the most popular IndyCar betting markets?
  Race winner, podium finish, head-to-head matchups, futures on the championship, and props like fastest lap or pole position.
• Can you bet live on IndyCar races?
  Yes. Most sportsbooks and betting apps offer live IndyCar betting, with odds shifting lap by lap depending on pit stops, cautions, and strategy changes.
• Which race is the best to bet on?
  The Indianapolis 500 is the most popular betting race, with the biggest range of markets. Long Beach, Road America, and Texas are also strong betting events.
• How long is an IndyCar race?
  Race length varies. Road and street courses typically run 150–200 miles, while the Indianapolis 500 covers 500 miles.
• How fast do IndyCars go?
  On superspeedways like Indianapolis, cars can reach over 230 mph (370 km/h).
• What engines do IndyCars use?
  IndyCar teams use 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines supplied by Honda or Chevrolet.
• How many races are in the IndyCar season?
  The 2025 schedule features around 17 races across ovals, road courses, and street circuits.
• What is the difference between IndyCar and Formula 1?
  IndyCar uses a spec chassis and shared engine suppliers for closer competition. Formula 1 teams design and build their own cars, often leading to bigger performance gaps.

List of IndyCar National Champions