The Top 10 Moments of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series Season
The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season was one of dominance and drama, marked by Alex Palou’s historic run to his fourth championship in five years – including eight race wins and a maiden Indianapolis 500 victory.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
Palou became the first driver since Dario Franchitti in 2010 to win both the Indy 500 and the series title in the same year, clinching the championship with two races remaining. From thrilling passes to unexpected breakthroughs and post-race controversies, here are the top 10 most memorable moments of the year.
1. Alex Palou Wins the Indianapolis 500
In the 109th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Palou delivered a masterclass in strategy and pace to claim his first Indy 500 victory – and the first ever for a Spanish driver. Starting sixth, he took the lead with 14 laps remaining and held off a late charge from Marcus Ericsson, with the race ending under caution after Nolan Siegel’s crash on the final lap. The win was Palou’s fifth of the season’s first six races and propelled Chip Ganassi Racing to its seventh Indy triumph.
2. Palou Clinches Fourth Championship
Palou wrapped up his third consecutive title (and fourth overall) early, becoming the first driver to secure the championship with two races left since 2002. His season featured 11 podiums, 12 top-fives, and consistent dominance, marking him as one of the sport’s all-time greats at just 28 years old.
3. Christian Rasmussen’s Stunning Milwaukee Upset
In a breakout performance, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen charged from deep in the field to snatch victory at the Milwaukee Mile. His bold outside pass on Palou in the closing laps denied the champion a win and highlighted one of the season’s biggest surprises.
4. Kyle Kirkwood’s Dominant Drive in Detroit
Kirkwood showcased an aggressive edge all season, but his Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix win stood out. Battling wheel-to-wheel with leaders, he delivered a statement victory for Andretti Global on the demanding street circuit.
5. Santino Ferrucci’s Fuel Gamble and Beer Celebration
Ferrucci charged to a strong finish in a hotly contested Road America race, only to run out of fuel just after the checkered flag. Stranded in Turn 1, he cooled down by chugging a beer tossed from the crowd – an instant classic moment that captured the spirit of IndyCar’s fan engagement.
6. Rookie Robert Shwartzman’s Pole at Indy
Prema Racing’s Robert Shwartzman made history by securing pole position for the Indianapolis 500 – the first rookie to do so since Teo Fabi in 1983. His four-lap average of over 232 mph set the tone for an dramatic Month of May.
7. Josef Newgarden Ends Winless Streak in Nashville Finale
After a challenging season with no wins until the end, two-time defending Indy 500 champion Newgarden broke through at Nashville Superspeedway, passing legends on the all-time wins list in a emotional season-closer for Team Penske.
8. Post-Indy 500 Disqualifications Shake Up Results
Drama extended beyond the track when Marcus Ericsson (second) and Kyle Kirkwood (sixth) were disqualified post-race due to technical infractions, promoting David Malukas to second and reshuffling the top 10.
9. Early-Season Tension at Thermal Club
Tempers flared after the season-opening Thermal Club Grand Prix when Scott McLaughlin confronted Devlin DeFrancesco over contact on the formation lap, leading to a heated post-race exchange that set an intense tone for the year.
10. Records Fall for Veterans Dixon and Power
Scott Dixon broke the all-time Ironman record with his 408th start at Indy (finishing the season at 419 consecutive races) and extended his win streak to 21 seasons. Will Power tied A.J. Foyt for wins in 18 different seasons, underscoring the enduring excellence of IndyCar’s legends amid Palou’s rise.
The 2025 season, broadcast entirely on FOX for the first time, delivered history, heartbreak, and high-speed excitement – cementing Palou’s legacy while setting the stage for an unpredictable 2026.