Alex Palou claims FOX’s investment will be “hu...

The IndyCar Collection has entered a brand new period following final week’s announcement that FOX Company has bought a one-third stake in Penske Leisure, the guardian firm of IndyCar and the enduring Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Whereas there are nonetheless many unknowns in regards to the long-term influence of the transfer, FOX stepping in as a co-owner — after already becoming a member of because the unique broadcaster this season — indicators a dedication to shaping the sequence’ future. The announcement outlined ambitions equivalent to renewed concentrate on racing innovation, immersive content material methods, enhanced digital platforms, and turning drivers into family names.

Alex Palou, who has turn into the face of IndyCar by profitable three of the final 4 championships — and is on target for a fourth, presumably as quickly as subsequent weekend on the Grand Prix of Portland — in addition to profitable the Indianapolis 500 final Could, believes FOX’s arrival as a part-owner is a step in the proper route.

“Sadly, I do not know precisely what that is going to do for our sport, and I do not actually know a lot about what is going on to vary, if it should change something,” Palou stated throughout a digital media session forward of the Portland occasion. “However I feel anyone as massive as FOX, and with the small time that they have been with IndyCar and the way a lot love they’ve confirmed us and the way a lot work and funding that they’ve put within the sequence — like even earlier than we began the season — it was loopy. It was unbelievable.”

Increasing curiosity within the sport

Palou emphasised that FOX’s involvement will assist lengthen the game’s attain because it seeks to draw new followers, each to the racetrack and to tv screens.

“I feel having a companion like this — they don’t want to determine methods to attain extra individuals; they already can. So having somebody in your workforce with that form of attain who solely wants to seek out methods to do it appropriately and make sense for each IndyCar and their enterprise — I feel it should be enormous.”

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver backed his pleasure about FOX’s elevated involvement within the sport by acknowledging the media firm’s advertising efforts in 2025, the primary yr of its unique network-only broadcast deal for IndyCar races.

“I feel that is all we want. It will take, clearly, a while, however I feel all people will agree that all the things FOX has accomplished to advertise us — I’m certain you’ve observed it. You go to any gas station and it is not arduous to see one of many IndyCar advertisements from FOX pop up. Additionally, being featured throughout main sporting occasions on TV nearly each weekend — it is nice.”

“Yeah, I can not wait to see what they are going to do. I am actually blissful to see that, and I’ve full belief and full confidence that they will do nicely for our sport.”