Fox purchases ownership stake in INDYCAR
INDIANAPOLIS — Fox has purchased a one-third ownership stake in INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The announcement includes a multi-year extension of Fox Sports’ media rights deal with INDYCAR that began this year.
“This partnership is built on long-standing trust and a shared vision for the future,” Roger Penske said. “FOX sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory. Lachlan Murdoch and his team, starting with Eric Shanks, are committed to our success and will bring incredible energy and innovation to INDYCAR.”
With the extension, Fox and INDYCAR highlighted these points:
- Innovative and industry-leading racing and entertainment events
- A hyper-engaged digital strategy and immersive content focus
- Enhanced promotion and star-building opportunities for drivers
In year one, the partnership has been successful. The Indianapolis 500 on Fox averaged 7.01 million viewers, up 41% percent from 2024 to a 17-year high. Overall, INDYCAR has seen a 31% increase in viewership year-over-year.
“We’re thrilled to join the INDYCAR ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer at Fox Sports. “INDYCAR represents everything we value in live sports — passionate fans, iconic venues, elite competition, and year-round storytelling potential. This investment underscores our commitment to motorsports and our belief in INDYCAR’s continued growth on and off the track. We’re excited to help elevate the sport to new heights across all platforms.”
INDYCAR touted a sell-out crowd for the Indianapolis 500 and growth in their digital platforms. They say they have generated 1 million new social followers this year.
Next up for INDYCAR is the the Grand Prix of Portland, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. ET on Fox.
Discover more from The Racing Experts
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Jonathan Fjeld View All
Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.
A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.
Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick's final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen's stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers' stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.
Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com