IndyCar’s incoming charter system has been met with many doubts and even more questions from teams, their owners and fans.
The overall consensus is that it will be a good thing for the sport, especially having witnessed its success with NASCAR.
It means that 25 charter cars will compete to be in the top 22 every season, and have the chance to earn £760,000 ($1 million) for teams.
The rules also mean that no team can have more than three charters – forcing Chip Ganassi Racing to downsize its IndyCar operation from five to three cars during the offseason.
IndyCar charter system will ‘add value’ to all teams
Sadly, both Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist look set to lose their drives with Chip Ganassi as a result of the downsizing.
Armstrong showed really encouraging pace at the end of the 2024 season, and looked like he may have done enough to remain with the team.
But, Kyffin Simpson is well-backed by investors and that should enable him to keep hold of his spot for 2025.
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“We’re just going to have three entries (next season),” Ganassi told Motorsport.com. “I think the charter thing is happening and it’s as advertised, so I’m happy.
“It’s a really good thing. And it’s going to add value to every team. Granted it’s not the size of the NASCAR charter guarantee. But it’s a hell of a start. It’s a hell of a running start. So, I think it’s a great thing.”
Who will drive for Chip Ganassi in 2025?
So far, Chip Ganassi only have one driver confirmed in their line-up for 2025, which is reigning three-time series champion Alex Palou.
Palou is in the middle of a ‘multi-year’ deal with the team, and is bidding to win his fourth title in five seasons next time out.
Scott Dixon has been with Chip Ganassi for what feels like an eternity, but is yet to confirm whether he continue next year – but it’s considered to be likely.
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That leaves one final seat at the team, with Kyffin Simpson the most likely candidate as a man who is familiar with the team and how they operate.
They could opt to draft in some talent from somewhere else, but that would be a slight gamble and could take time for them to get up to speed.