IndyCar’s Floridian season-opener, held annually in St. Petersburg, has always been a significant event in the racing calendar. However, the 2025 edition was a revelation, a sight to behold. It was as if the city of St. Petersburg had been enchanted, brimming with an energy and vibrancy unlike any other year in memory.
From the onset, it was clear that this year’s event was going to be exceptional. The attendance figures skyrocketed from day one, a promising indication of what was to come. As the event progressed, the crowd only grew larger and livelier, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport.
During the early IndyCar races, the likes of Dario Franchitti, Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan, and the peak era of ‘Danicamania’ with Danica Patrick were driving forces behind the sport’s popularity. The American Le Mans Series, a precursor to today’s IMSA, was a significant draw from 2007 to 2009, attracting large crowds with nationally recognized drivers and a cooperative spirit between the two racing series.
Fast forward to the recent St. Petersburg event; the echoes of the golden era of IndyCar+ALMS still lingered. An encouraging sign was the noticeable increase in young men and women attendees, an essential step in building a sustainable fan base for the future of IndyCar.
The event also saw a surge in female attendees of all ages, a key development in broadening the appeal of the series beyond its traditional audience. The St. Petersburg race thus marked a potential turning point for the sport, a beacon of change in the making.
However, it’s too early to declare a generational shift based on one event. The true test will be the forthcoming races at Long Beach, Barber, and other high-attendance IndyCar events. The hope is that the upswing seen at St. Petersburg is not a one-off but a sign of an enduring transformation.
Alex Damron, IndyCar’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed his optimism, applauding the positive energy surrounding the event. He was particularly pleased with the influx of new fans cheering for their favorite drivers. The IndyCar merchandise booths also reported a 15% increase in sales compared to previous years, a clear sign of the growing IndyCar fandom.
The high-spirits extended to the paddock as well. Team owners and drivers, who often arrive with complaints about promotions and other issues, were largely content. The usual frustrations took a back seat, replaced by enthusiasm and satisfaction, a rare occurrence for the opening race.
The St. Petersburg event’s success leaves us eager for the next race at The Thermal Club, where only 5000 high-value tickets are available. Long Beach, where IMSA is also featuring, and where the 50th anniversary of the event will be celebrated, offers another exciting prospect. The hope is that the positive trend seen in St. Petersburg continues throughout the season.
The success of the St. Petersburg race is a collective effort involving FOX, Penske Entertainment, Green Savoree Race Promotions, and former IndyCar president Jay Frye. New president Doug Boles also played a significant part along with Chevy, Honda, Firestone, the teams, and the drivers. This team effort was mirrored in the record-breaking television audience of 1,417,000 viewers, the highest in 14 years for any event other than the Indy 500.
The Rolex 24 At Daytona, another IMSA event, also saw a similar surge in fan turnout and enthusiasm, adding further momentum to the racing season. The old saying about a rising tide lifting all boats rings true in this context. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all those involved, the future of open-wheel and sports car racing looks brighter than ever.