Chip Ganassi has been around IndyCar for a very long time, and in that period has lived through many substantial moments.
When he says to stand up and take notice of something, it’s probably a good idea to listen to one of the most experienced men in the series.
It was finally confirmed for 2025 that IndyCar will be adopting a charter system, with the hope that it will add value to the sport.
It means that teams are limited to no more than three guaranteed entries, with the charter cars promised a spot in every race apart from the historic Indy 500.
Chip Ganassi says charter system going to be one of three ‘important’ moments
The introduction of PREMA next year brings around an 11th IndyCar team to the grid – but they haven’t quite earned charter status yet.
That means in races with more than 27 cars fighting for a spot on the grid, they could be left without a spot in the race.
Speaking about the new system, Chip Ganassi placed a big emphasis on the importance of the deal in the grand scheme of things.
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“When you look back in the modern era of IndyCar racing, you will look at a few important moments – the first being the unification of the sport [between IRL and Champ Car],” he told The Race.
“The next being Roger Penske buying the IndyCar series and IMS [Indianapolis Motor Speedway], and I truly believe the third will be the charter system,”
The future of the charter system in IndyCar
Teams are locked into their charter deals until 2031 but can get out of them by selling their teams if they don’t intend to stick around.
The 22-car Leaders’ Circle was an interesting story to keep track of towards this season as drivers and teams fought for £760,000 ($1 million) in prize money.
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From 2025, only charter teams can fight for those prizes, meaning that PREMA will be left out of the fight for the big bucks.
It feels a little unfair on the Italian team, who have invested a lot in their program to become an IndyCar team, only to be refused a spot as a charter.
There is hope that they will be able to buy their way in as a charter in a few years, but that would likely need co-operation from the series and the rest of the grid.