IndyCar prepared to ban open entries in races outside of the Indy 500

The NTT IndyCar Series may not have open entries outside of the Indianapolis 500 for too much longer. IndyCar will stop letting open entries compete in races other than the Indianapolis 500 after the 2026 season, as first reported by Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern. This is a shocking development for the sport.

IndyCar hopes the move will help suppliers plan better and assist in raising charter values. Stern said the racing series has confirmed to Sports Business Journal that open entries will no longer be accepted in non-Indy 500 events. Therefore, only 25 drivers will be allowed to race in most races during the 2027 season before increasing to 27 in 2028.

“Beginning with the 2027 IndyCar Series season, entry fields at all races outside of the Indianapolis 500 will be limited to chartered teams only," IndyCar said to Sports Business Journal. "This decision was reached after thoughtful consideration with key stakeholders and, in particular, series suppliers who are making plans for the upcoming season as all parties look to build the series’ health and on-track competition.”

IndyCar introduced the charter system for the 2026 season, taking a page from NASCAR's playbook. In fact, this would be like if NASCAR banned open entries at all events except the Daytona 500. It will be interesting to see how this decision effects IndyCar moving forward into the 2027 season and beyond.

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This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: IndyCar prepared to ban open entries in races outside of the Indy 500