IndyCar Announces New Charter System Through 2031

IndyCar has officially launched a charter system that will begin in 2025, guaranteeing starting spots for 25 entries across most races, but not the Indianapolis 500, where traditional qualifying will remain. The new system aims to provide greater value to team owners, allowing them to secure a maximum of three charters each, which aligns with the recent trend in motorsport towards franchised entries. The charter agreement will last through 2031 and is designed to financially support teams by making them eligible for the Leaders Circle program, which rewards top finishers. Chip Ganassi Racing, which previously fielded five cars, will be affected by the new limit, prompting the team to consider opportunities in the Indy NXT series. Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, emphasized the collaborative effort among team owners in establishing this system. Overall, the charter system marks a significant evolution in the structure of IndyCar racing.