Looking ahead to the 2025 season of the NTT IndyCar Series, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has put forth a public letter addressing numerous issues and opportunities facing the American series. Brown’s strategic insights cover a range of topics, all critical to the series’ future success, including the new partnership with FOX, the anticipated chassis overhaul, and the need for increased investment.
Brown is buoyed by the forthcoming changes in the IndyCar Series, most notably the new broadcasting partnership with FOX. He expressed his enthusiasm for this development in his letter, stating, “I couldn’t be more excited to tune into FOX’s broadcast this weekend.” Brown underlines the importance of a strong broadcast partner and is thrilled about FOX’s commitment, hoping that the passion of Eric Shanks, CEO, and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, will elevate the broadcast quality of the races.
Looking forward, Brown predicts significant milestones in 2026 and beyond, which will potentially accelerate the progress of the series. One such event is the upcoming race in Arlington, Texas, a collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. Brown believes in the power of success breeding success and is confident that the NFL’s involvement will yield substantial exposure and benefits for IndyCar.
However, Brown’s letter also emphasizes the need for increased investment to continue enhancing IndyCar’s stature. He specifically highlights the upcoming new chassis for 2027, acknowledging that the current Dallara DW12, introduced in 2012, is due for a revamp. In his typically forthright style, Brown makes it clear that IndyCar waited too long to update the chassis and that there’s still considerable work to be done for the series to reach its full potential.
While praising the reliability and performance of the Dallara DW12, Brown expresses his relief that newer technologies are being embraced to improve Dallara’s product. He notes, “The new car for 2027 is a positive move for the series.”
Despite acknowledging the progress made so far, Brown insists that there’s no room for complacency. He encourages further efforts to increase the visibility of the series and fully unlock its potential. He concludes, “IndyCar currently has some of the most committed fans in sport with the access it gives, but we have to make the investment and do the work to multiply that tenfold to get the series where it needs to be.”
As we gear up for the first race of the 2025 season in St. Petersburg, the IndyCar community eagerly anticipates FOX Sports’ inaugural race broadcast since taking over from NBC. Under the strategic guidance of leaders like Zak Brown, the future of the NTT IndyCar Series promises to be an exciting one.
