IndyCar's 2024 season kicked off in St. Petersburg, Florida, with Josef Newgarden winning the Firestone Grand Prix. However, the series faces a familiar problem of extended breaks between races, with a four-week gap following the second official race. This hiatus interrupts the momentum built from the exciting season opener and poses a challenge in maximizing audience engagement and maintaining interest.

The Big Picture

IndyCar's scheduling issues with prolonged breaks between races risk hindering its growth potential, especially at a time when motorsport is gaining popularity in the U.S. Despite being a fiercely competitive series, the disjointed calendar may limit the series' ability to capitalize on its recent successes and viewer interest.

By the Numbers
  • 12th IndyCar season start in the last 14 years occurred at St. Petersburg, Florida.
  • Four-week break between races, impacting momentum and viewer engagement.
State of Play
  • IndyCar faces criticism for an extended offseason race gap following a well-received season opener.
  • Series grapples with maintaining viewer interest amid scheduling challenges and a loss of a key venue.
Bottom Line

IndyCar's disjointed race calendar, marked by prolonged breaks early in the season, threatens to impede the series' growth and audience engagement potential. Addressing these scheduling challenges is crucial for the series to build on its recent successes and capitalize on the rising popularity of motorsport in the United States.