Indy 500 Breaks Records: Roger Penske Discusses Ratings and Team Changes

The 109th Indianapolis 500, held last Sunday, turned into a landmark moment for motorsports. It was the first grandstand sellout since 2016 and drew the biggest TV audience for an Indy 500 in 17 years.

With 7.01 million viewers—peaking at 8.05 million—the event felt like a huge win for Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske, FOX Sports, and the whole IndyCar community. Let’s dig into the highlights, the impact on younger fans, and what might be next for the 500 under Penske’s leadership.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Viewership

Last Sunday’s Indy 500 was pure spectacle, with more than 330,000 fans packing the grandstands. That’s the first sellout in eight years.

The TV numbers were just as wild—7.01 million tuned in, making it the most-watched Indy 500 since 2007. FOX Sports went all-in with promotion, even running ads during the Super Bowl, and it clearly paid off.

The Role of FOX Sports

FOX Sports really changed the game this year. Roger Penske said FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks promised to take the sport to a new level, and he delivered.

The network’s younger, fresher approach to broadcasting the NTT IndyCar Series and the 500 seemed to click with younger viewers. The 18- to 36-year-old demographic doubled compared to previous years.

The Impact on Younger Demographics

The Indy 500’s comeback with younger fans is honestly a big deal. For decades after World War II, the race was the “cool” event, but things changed after the split between CART and the Indy Racing League in the ’90s.

That rift hurt younger viewership for a long time. Lately, though, more young people—and more women—are showing up and tuning in.

A Diverse and Engaged Fan Base

Roger Penske pointed out how important this new, more diverse fan base is. The 2025 Indy 500 saw a big jump in young attendees and female fans.

This wider appeal feels crucial for the long-term health of both the race and the NTT IndyCar Series. It’s about more than just numbers; it’s about energy and community.

The Economic Impact

The Indy 500 isn’t just a race—it’s a massive economic engine for Indiana. Penske says the race weekend pumps about $1 billion into the local economy.

That includes hotels, restaurants, and a ton of local businesses. The event goes way beyond the track, and you can feel it all over the city.

Record-Breaking Purse

This year’s 109th running also shattered records for prize money. The purse hit $20,283,000, with first-time winner Alex Palou taking home $3.8 million.

It’s the fourth year in a row the purse has set a new high. The financial investment in the sport just keeps climbing.

Challenges and Controversies

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Team Penske ran into some real internal drama, firing three key managers after a second scandal over modifying the rear attenuator on the No. 2 Chevrolet (Josef Newgarden) and No. 12 Chevrolet (Will Power).

Penske stepped in fast to get things back on track and keep the team’s reputation intact.

Leadership and Accountability

Penske’s quick decisions showed he’s serious about keeping high standards. Even with these bumps, he seems determined to deliver great race day experiences and protect the Indy 500’s reputation.

The Future of the Indianapolis 500

Looking forward, Penske wants to keep improving the experience for fans. Since he bought the Speedway from the Hulman-George family in 2019, he’s made guest experience a top priority.

COVID-19 threw plenty of curveballs, but the record attendance and viewership this year suggest those efforts are working.

Continued Innovations

Penske’s all about innovation. He’s upgraded the Speedway, added new fan engagement activities, and keeps finding ways to make each Indy 500 a little better than the last.

He wants every attendee to walk away with something memorable. If he keeps this up, the 500’s future looks pretty bright.

Conclusion

The 109th Indianapolis 500 marked a major moment for motorsports. Strategic partnerships and bold leadership really shaped the event.

Attendance and viewership broke records. Roger Penske, FOX Sports, and the whole IndyCar crew pulled off something special this year.

Penske keeps finding ways to make race day more exciting. He’s drawing in new fans, and honestly, the buzz around the Indy 500 just keeps growing.

For more details on this historic event, you can read the full article on Forbes.