The IndyCar Sequence has entered a brand new period following final week’s announcement that FOX Company has bought a one-third stake in Penske Leisure, the mother or father firm of IndyCar and the long-lasting Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Whereas there are nonetheless many unknowns concerning the long-term influence of the transfer, FOX stepping in as a co-owner — after already becoming a member of because the unique broadcaster this season — indicators a dedication to shaping the collection’ future. The announcement outlined ambitions equivalent to renewed deal with racing innovation, immersive content material methods, enhanced digital platforms, and turning drivers into family names.
Alex Palou, who has turn out to be the face of IndyCar by successful three of the final 4 championships — and is heading in the right direction for a fourth, probably as quickly as subsequent weekend on the Grand Prix of Portland — in addition to successful the Indianapolis 500 final Might, believes FOX’s arrival as a part-owner is a step in the proper course.
Race winner Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
Photograph by: Penske Leisure
“Sadly, I do not know precisely what that is going to do for our sport, and I do not actually know a lot about what is going on to vary, if it is going to change something,” Palou mentioned throughout a digital media session forward of the Portland occasion. “However I feel any individual as large as FOX, and with the small time that they have been with IndyCar and the way a lot love they’ve confirmed us and the way a lot work and funding that they’ve put within the collection — like even earlier than we began the season — it was loopy. It was unbelievable.”
Increasing curiosity within the sport
Palou emphasised that FOX’s involvement will assist lengthen the game’s attain because it seeks to draw new followers, each to the racetrack and to tv screens.
“I feel having a associate like this — they don’t want to determine attain extra folks; they already can. So having somebody in your workforce with that sort of attain who solely wants to search out methods to do it appropriately and make sense for each IndyCar and their enterprise — I feel it is going to be enormous.”
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver backed his pleasure about FOX’s elevated involvement within the sport by acknowledging the media firm’s advertising efforts in 2025, the primary 12 months of its unique network-only broadcast deal for IndyCar races.
“I feel that is all we’d like. It may take, clearly, a while, however I feel all people will agree that every little thing FOX has carried out to advertise us — I’m certain you’ve observed it. You go to any gasoline station and it isn’t onerous to see one of many IndyCar advertisements from FOX pop up. Additionally, being featured throughout main sporting occasions on TV nearly each weekend — it is nice.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see what they’ll do. I am actually glad to see that, and I’ve full belief and full confidence that they will do effectively for our sport.”
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