Sonsio Grand Prix 2025: Key Details and What to Expect
The Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is set to be a thrilling event. Fans can expect high-speed action and nail-biting finishes.
As race weekend approaches, there is much to look forward to. The competition will feature seasoned drivers and the debut of promising rookies.
This blog post will break down all the essential details and highlights you need to know about the event.
The Sonsio Grand Prix: A Must-Watch Event
Contents
The Sonsio Grand Prix takes place from Friday, May 9 to Saturday, May 10. It is one of the most anticipated events in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
The race is held on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drivers will race for 85 laps of pure adrenaline.
The event is more than just the main race. It also includes the INDY NXT by Firestone series, making for a weekend full of motorsport excitement.
Race Weekend Schedule
The weekend begins with practice sessions and qualifying rounds. These lead up to the main events.
Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
- Friday, May 9:
- 9:30-10:50 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (split group format), FS2 (Live)
- 11:05-11:55 a.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone practice, FS2 (Live)
- 1:10-2 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (35 minutes of green flag – limited guarantee), FS2 (Live)
- 2:30-3 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone qualifying (two groups/12 minutes each), FS2 (Live)
- 4:35 p.m. – Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of NTT INDYCAR SERIES knockout qualifications), FS1 (Live)
- 7:06 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 (35 laps/55 minutes), FS1 (Live)
- Saturday, May 10:
- 11:32-11:57 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup (25 minutes), FS1 (Live)
- 1:06 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 2 (35 laps/55 minutes), FS1 (Live)
- 4:52 p.m. – Sonsio Grand Prix (85 laps/207.3 miles), FOX (Live)
Key Drivers and Teams to Watch
Several drivers are aiming for victory at the Sonsio Grand Prix. Alex Palou, who has had a strong start to the 2025 season, is a favorite.
Palou is aiming for a third consecutive win at IMS, having won the past two Sonsio Grands Prix. If he wins again, he will join an elite group of drivers with three consecutive wins at one track.
Team Penske’s Dominance
Team Penske has a rich history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. With eight wins, including five by Will Power, Penske’s drivers are always contenders.
Other notable drivers from Team Penske include Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden. Both have also won at IMS.
Rising Stars and Rookies
This year, several rookies are making their debut in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Jacob Abel, Louis Foster, and Robert Shwartzman are among the newcomers to watch.
Their performances could shake up the standings and introduce fresh competition.
Technical Aspects and Race Strategies
The Sonsio Grand Prix is not just about speed. Strategy is crucial.
Teams and drivers must manage their tire allotments and push-to-pass activations to gain an advantage.
Push-to-Pass Parameters
In the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, drivers have 200 seconds of push-to-pass time. The maximum single use is 20 seconds.
This feature is not available on the initial start or any restart unless it happens in the final two laps or three minutes of a timed race. For INDY NXT by Firestone, drivers have up to 50 activations or 150 seconds of push-to-pass time.
Tire Management
Tire strategy is another key part of the race. NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams have five sets of primary (hard) and four sets of alternate (soft) tires for the weekend.
Teams with a rookie driver may use one extra set of primary tires in the first practice session. Each team must use two sets of primary and two sets of alternate tires for at least two laps in the race.
Broadcast and Media Coverage
Fans can watch all the action live on FOX Sports and the INDYCAR Radio Network. The broadcast schedule ensures viewers won’t miss a moment.
Television Coverage
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone races will be broadcast live on FOX Sports channels. Key broadcasts include:
- NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1, 9:30 a.m. ET, Friday, FS2 (live)
- NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying, 4:30 p.m. ET Friday, FS1 (live)
- NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race, 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday, FOX (live)
- INDY NXT by Firestone Race 1, 7 p.m. ET Friday, FS1 (live)
- INDY NXT by Firestone Race 2, 1 p.m. ET Saturday, FS1 (live)
Radio Coverage
The INDYCAR Radio Network, with Mark Jaynes as anchor, provides coverage of all sessions. Fans can listen live on network affiliates, SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation 218, indycar.com/leaderboard, and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
Historical Context and Records
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course has been an important venue in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Several records and milestones add to the event’s history.
Qualifying Records
Will Power holds the NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying record with a time of 1:07.7044, set in 2017. For INDY NXT by Firestone, Ed Jones set the record in 2016 with a time of 1:14.6743.
Past Winners
Active drivers with multiple wins at IMS include:
- Will Power: 5 wins (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
- Scott Dixon: 2 wins (2020, 2023)
- Alex Palou: 2 wins (2023, 2024)
Conclusion
The Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of speed, strategy, and skill.
This event offers something for everyone, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport.
For more detailed information and updates, visit the official event page.
