IndyCar Will Restrict 2027 Races to Chartered Teams, Except the Indy 500

Overview

• Beginning in 2027, only teams holding an IndyCar charter can enter regular-season races, with the Indianapolis 500 remaining open-entry.
• The Indy 500 keeps its traditional 33-car grid, which allows extra one-off entries that are not permitted at other events.
• Full-time fields are set at 25 cars for 2027 and are expected to rise to 27 in 2028 when Honda and Chevrolet each receive a chartered entry tied to their engine deals.
• Charters guarantee race access and connect to revenue sharing through the Leaders Circle, a system IndyCar began in 2025 when it granted 25 of 27 full-time entries charter status.
• New full-time teams now must buy a charter from an existing owner or partner with an engine manufacturer, a shift that formalizes recent practice and is likely to raise team values.