Great racing, little recognition: IndyCar's impending crisis
IndyCar’s 2025 finale proved how good the racing can be, but with the next car delayed until 2028 the series risks being ignored just when it needs attention most
Not since Scott Dixon in 2008 has there been a first-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. Owner/driver Ed Carpenter, rookie Carlos Muñoz and Marco Andretti make up the surprising front row for Sunday’s race with only four IndyCar series wins between them.
30 years ago this May Tom Sneva came to Indianapolis with considerably more success behind him. Already an eight-time race winner and champion in 1977 and ’78, ‘The Gas Man’ was always blisteringly fast. He started from pole at Indy in both of his championship years, becoming the first man to qualify at a speed exceeding 200mph in ’77. In both races he finished second, to AJ Foyt and Al Unser respectively. In 1980 he became the only driver to lead after starting last, but again he finished second, this time to Johnny Rutherford.
By 1983 Sneva was already one of the era’s greats, but he still didn’t have his face on the Borg-Warner Trophy. The video below shows how he beat Teo Fabi and Al Unsers Sr and Jr to the win that had eluded him for nine years.
IndyCar’s 2025 finale proved how good the racing can be, but with the next car delayed until 2028 the series risks being ignored just when it needs attention most
Herta has been named Cadillac's first American driver, joining the outfit ahead of its 2026 debut alongside race drivers Bottas and Perez
With Red Bull searching for a long-term partner for Max Verstappen, rumours have linked IndyCar star Alex Palou with the seat - but is he truly ready to make the leap to Formula 1?
Alex Palou’s 2025 IndyCar season has redefined dominance in the series as the Spaniard secured his fourth title over the weekend