NTT IndyCar Series Unveils Charter System for 2025

Ten IndyCar Series teams will hold charters when the new system debuts in 2025.

The series confirmed the long-anticipated charter system in a news release Monday morning.

The charters, awarded in a maximum of three to each team, guarantee a starting position in all IndyCar Series races other than the Indianapolis 500. The charters will run through the 2031 season.

Beginning with the start of the 2025 season, teams owning charters: A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2), Andretti Global (3), Arrow McLaren (3), Chip Ganassi Racing (3), Dale Coyne Racing (2), Ed Carpenter Racing (2), Juncos Hollinger Racing (2), Meyer Shank Racing (2), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (3), Team Penske (3).

Charters were extended to team owners based on full-time entries over the previous two seasons. Teams are allowed a maximum of three teams.

Among the results of the charter plan was the move by Chip Ganassi Racing to drop from five entries to three for the new year.

Teams without charters can compete in the series but will not have guaranteed starting spots. All races other than the Indy 500 (with 33) are scheduled to have 27-car starting fields.

The charter system, similar to one in effect in the NASCAR Cup Series for several years, has been in development for months. Teams holding charters also will be eligible for the 22-car IndyCar Leaders Circle program, which pays annual bonuses.

Teams have lobbied IndyCar for development of a charter system for years. The charters will add value to team ownership, and they can be sold, with series approval, to other teams or individuals seeking to join the series.

“When you look back in the modern era of IndyCar racing, you will look at a few important moments, the first being the unification of the sport, the next being Roger Penske buying the IndyCar Series and IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway), and I truly believe the third will be the charter system,” Ganassi said.

Michael Shank, co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing says the introduction of a charter system for the series can't be understated.

“The charter agreement, to me, is the single-most important piece for the future of the series," Shank said. "I’m grateful that we all came together on this and thank the Roger Penske group for working with the team owners for getting it done.”