IndyCar's wildest moments in 2024

IndyCar was full of unforgettable (and forgettable) moments in 2024, with the sort of unpredictable drama that will be hard to duplicate in 2025.

Mannequin causes caution

Scott McLaughlin, on his way to the first of three victories in 2024, thought he witnessed a grave injury take place as he raced toward one of the walkover bridges at Barber Motorsports Park. To his alarm and amazement, it looked as though a fan had fallen hard next to the racing surface.

Penske's illegal use of horsepower

The 2024 IndyCar season was also filled with controversy, as series owner Roger Penske's team was caught making illegal use of extra horsepower. The team was fined and stripped of points for the first race, which eased the path for Chip Ganassi Racing's Álex Palou towards his third IndyCar championship in four years.

Driver changes

The IndyCar season was also marked by a high number of driver changes. Conor Daly, who was cut halfway through 2023 by Ed Carpenter Racing, was drafted into Dale Coyne Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing to fill desperate needs. He was one of more than 20 drivers to get hired for part-time seats or fired from their full-time roles before the final race.

Resurgence in oval tracks

IndyCar's introduction of hybrid engines midway through the 2024 season proved to be a popular decision among several drivers. The new engines were used at several oval tracks, including Gateway, Milwaukee, and Nashville. The races at these tracks were well-received by fans and drivers alike.

Indy 500

The Indy 500, where McLaughlin earned pole position, stands out as his fondest memory of the season. The race was delayed for eight hours due to rain, but when the green flag finally waved, Penske's Newgarden pulled off an amazing last-lap pass to capture his second straight 500 win as McLaughlin led six times for 66 laps -- more than any other driver -- on the way to taking sixth.

Looking ahead to 2025

The 2024 IndyCar season was full of unforgettable moments, and it will be hard to duplicate that drama in 2025. However, with a new broadcast partnership with Fox and a first-time race due in 2026 that will run around the Dallas Cowboys' and Texas Rangers' stadiums in Arlington, Texas, the series is looking forward to an exciting future.