As we get closer to the beginning of the 2025 season it only makes sense to break down some of the basics for everyone getting introduced to the sport this year. Generally, it can be a little overwhelming when you don’t know where to start so hopefully LWOS can help.
Today we’ll be discussing all the different aspects of the IndyCar points system.
The Point System is a bit Different in Comparison to Other Racing Series
While Formula One only has drivers earn championship points during a Grand Prix or a sprint there’s a few different ways to gain points during an IndyCar race weekend.
This difference makes the race for the championship title tighter and leads to some great battles throughout the season.
Race Points
Firstly, one of the easier ways to understand the IndyCar point system is by getting familiar with the way points are distributed after a race. One important thing to note is that it’s impossible to finish a race without any points.
The leaderboard in a race goes as follows:
P1: 50 points, P2: 40 points, P3: 35 points, P4: 32 points, P5: 30 points, P6: 28 points, P7: 26 points, P8: 24 points, P9: 22 points, P10: 20 points, P11: 19 points, P12: 18 points, P13: 17 points, P14: 16 points, P15: 15 points, P16: 14 points, P17: 13 points, P18: 12 points, P19: 11 points, P20: 10 points, P21: 9 points, P22: 8 points, P23: 7 points, P24: 6 points, P25 – 33: 5 points.
Pole Position Points
IndyCar drivers can be awarded bonus points in certain situations. One of those situations being the pole position award. During qualifying, if a driver manages to secure pole position for the race they’re awarded one extra point.
The point will be added on to that driver’s race result regardless of where they finish.
READ MORE: McLaughlin storms to record pole for the 108th Indy 500
Leading a Lap
In addition, there’s at least three points up for grabs during a race when it comes to leading a lap during a race.
Also, any driver who leads a lap at any point during the race is able to secure one extra point. Two more points are awarded to the driver who leads the most laps.
For example, if a driver leads 10 laps, they’ll be able to secure one extra point but if another driver leads 35 laps they would be able to receive all three points that are associated with the “laps lead” category.
Indy 500 Qualifying
Finally, with the Indy 500 being the biggest event of every IndyCar season, there’s some extra points up for grabs after qualifying. A majority of the positions, including the pole position award has more merit during the Indy 500 weekend.
The pole sitter earns 12 points, the second fastest driver earns 11 extra points. After this, the points will decrease by one-point increments with the driver who qualifies 12th fastest only earning one point.
And there you have it! A beginner’s guide to understanding the IndyCar point system. In the upcoming days to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, LWOS will have more articles on the IndyCar basics. Topics to be on the lookout for are qualifying, the tracks, and the IndyCar and Indy NXT rosters.
Featured Image Credit: Penske Entertainment: Chris Jones. 9/16/2024
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