McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has released a public letter covering various aspects of the state of the NTT IndyCar Series ahead of the start of the 2025 season.
Written as a letter to fans of the American series, Brown covers multiple topics pertinent to the health and growth of the series.
He was optimistic about a few of the changes coming to IndyCar in the next couple years, and was particularly effusive about the series’ new broadcast partner FOX.
“I couldn’t be more excited to tune into FOX’s broadcast this weekend,” said Brown in the public letter.
“In the list of things that we can do to improve IndyCar, number one was finding the right broadcast partner, and to have FOX on board is fantastic. Eric Shanks [CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports] has a personal commitment to and passion for IndyCar, and I think that will come through in the broadcast quality.
“We’ll have to look to 2026 and beyond for other big moments that will hopefully propel the series forward. The race in Arlington, Texas, in partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers should be mega.
“I’ve always been a firm believer that being around successful people leads to more success happening. Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to success, and having this link to the NFL is beneficial for exposure and much more for IndyCar. Hopefully we’ll see more large market races on the schedule moving forward.”
More investment needed
Brown also spent time in the letter discussing the new chassis currently planned for 2027 and talked about additional investment needed by IndyCar to further its own product.
It is not a unique opinion among members of the paddock that the Dallara DW12, which was first introduced in 2012, is overdue for replacement.
But Brown’s words, as is typical for his style, are a more direct than team leaders commonly share in public.
He bluntly states that IndyCar ‘waited too long’ for a new chassis and that there is a long way to go before the series is at a level it needs to be.
“The new car for 2027 is a positive move for the series,” continued Brown. “While the Dallara DW12 has been a safe and prolific car that has provided some outstanding racing, we’ve waited too long before taking the next step forward. I’m glad we’re embracing newer technology and refreshing a great product from Dallara.
“Talking about the sport, I think we’re making some good progress, but of course, we can never go fast enough, so there is a lot more we can be doing to get more eyeballs on the series and maximize its potential.
“IndyCar currently has some of the most committed fans in sport with the access it gives, but we have to make the investment and do the work to multiply that tenfold to get the series where it needs to be.”
The first race of the 2025 season takes place this weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, with FOX Sports producing its first race broadcast since taking over from NBC.
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