The 2024 IndyCar season will be remembered as the most unpredictable, controversy-packed, and downright chaotic in the series’ storied history. From rain-soaked thrillers to scandalous headlines, and unexpected twists at every corner, this year had it all. Let’s unpack the madness that kept fans glued to every race.
Mannequins, Rain, and Milestones
The bizarre tone of the season was set early when a mannequin, part of an eccentric installation at Barber Motorsports Park, fell onto the track mid-race. The surreal moment brought out a caution flag, and later, race winner Scott McLaughlin posed with the wayward figure—cementing its status as an IndyCar meme with an official trading card.
The Indianapolis 500 proved to be a rare reprieve from chaos, delivering a sunset-drenched epic after a rain delay. Josef Newgarden bested Pato O’Ward in a heart-stopping finale to claim his second Indy 500 victory, drawing record-breaking viewership thanks to a lifted local blackout.
Scandals Rock Penske and Malukas’ Unfortunate McLaren Stint
A scandal of epic proportions shook the paddock at Long Beach when Team Penske was caught tampering with push-to-pass software, enabling illegal horsepower boosts during the season opener in St. Petersburg. After weeks of investigation, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin were disqualified, and Pato O’Ward retroactively claimed the win. Penske swiftly suspended senior personnel, but the damage to the team’s reputation lingered.
Meanwhile, David Malukas had his dreams dashed before even starting with Arrow McLaren. A preseason cycling accident left him sidelined, and his inability to recover quickly led the team to cut ties after just four races, never letting him race under their banner. Callum Ilott and F2 champ Theo Pourchaire filled the seat with standout performances.
Santino Ferrucci Brings Drama to Detroit
AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci proved that tempers could flare just as much as engines. During practice on Detroit’s notoriously tight street circuit, Ferrucci leaped over a pit wall to confront Kyle Kirkwood, unleashing an expletive-laden tirade caught live on TV. The encounter earned Ferrucci a stern rebuke from officials and a public apology, but not before the incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the year.
The Dale Coyne Rule and a Rookie Revelation
Dale Coyne Racing broke records by rotating nine drivers across its two entries in 2024, a logistical feat that pushed the limits of the charter system. This chaotic approach led to the introduction of the “Dale Coyne Rule” for 2025, capping teams at three drivers per car per season. Despite the churn, the team gave five rookies their IndyCar debuts, keeping their cars on track and fostering fresh talent.
McLaren’s Rollercoaster Year and Kyffin Simpson’s Stunner
Arrow McLaren faced highs and lows, with O’Ward’s inherited St. Pete win contrasted by the team’s struggles to maintain consistency. However, the arrival of rookie Kyffin Simpson at Chip Ganassi Racing brought a glimmer of excitement. In his debut race, Simpson set the fastest lap, proving that the next generation of IndyCar stars is ready to shine.
A Return to Milwaukee and Mixed Messages
The Milwaukee Mile made a triumphant return to the IndyCar calendar, delivering thrilling doubleheader action. Fans packed the grandstands for a nostalgic yet modern spectacle. Ironically, Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles downplayed the value of revisiting old venues—while sitting at Milwaukee—a reminder of the sport’s contradictory strategies.
What’s Next for IndyCar?
The 2024 season leaves IndyCar at a crossroads. While the scandals and drama may have been ratings gold, they also highlighted structural issues within the sport. With the introduction of new rules for 2025 and a more unified push toward technological advancements, the series hopes to balance entertainment with integrity.
The season may have been a rollercoaster, but one thing is certain: IndyCar fans have never had so much to talk about.