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INDYCAR To Utilize New Driver Licensing System
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INDYCAR has announced a new licensing system that will require aspiring drivers to meet specific criteria in order to become eligible to race in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
Similar to Formula 1’s super license requirements, future Verizon IndyCar Series drivers will gain automatic entry if they have raced in F1 or the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series or have found success in other categories, detailed below.
“Not every series in the world is mentioned, so we’ll take each case individually, and some are streamlined for licensing like Formula 1 and the Monster Energy Cup Series,” IndyCar Competition Director Jay Frye told RACER.
The news comes after the recent announcement of a five-year plan to strengthen Indy Lights and bring it closer in alignment with the Verizon IndyCar Series. Subsequently, drivers who may previously have been able to move into the top-tier IndyCar series may now have to start in Indy Lights.
“Overall, we want to focus this process and use Indy Lights as a training ground, where necessary, to get drivers ready for our diverse set of tracks and challenges in IndyCar,” Frye said.
Indy Lights drivers will be eligible for the Verizon IndyCar Series after competing for one full-season and finishing in the top three of the championship.
Pro Mazda drivers will be eligible to drive in the top-tier series after scoring three wins.
Drivers not in F1, NASCAR, Indy Lights or Pro Mazda may gain entry into the Verizon IndyCar Series will be evaluated using their race records in a global motorsports series, with a minimum of 30 points required over two years.
IndyCar also outlined testing license requirements, which include competing in eight Indy Lights races—or scoring two wins in the current season.
Similar to Formula 1’s super license requirements, future Verizon IndyCar Series drivers will gain automatic entry if they have raced in F1 or the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series or have found success in other categories, detailed below.
“Not every series in the world is mentioned, so we’ll take each case individually, and some are streamlined for licensing like Formula 1 and the Monster Energy Cup Series,” IndyCar Competition Director Jay Frye told RACER.
The news comes after the recent announcement of a five-year plan to strengthen Indy Lights and bring it closer in alignment with the Verizon IndyCar Series. Subsequently, drivers who may previously have been able to move into the top-tier IndyCar series may now have to start in Indy Lights.
“Overall, we want to focus this process and use Indy Lights as a training ground, where necessary, to get drivers ready for our diverse set of tracks and challenges in IndyCar,” Frye said.
Indy Lights drivers will be eligible for the Verizon IndyCar Series after competing for one full-season and finishing in the top three of the championship.
Pro Mazda drivers will be eligible to drive in the top-tier series after scoring three wins.
Drivers not in F1, NASCAR, Indy Lights or Pro Mazda may gain entry into the Verizon IndyCar Series will be evaluated using their race records in a global motorsports series, with a minimum of 30 points required over two years.
IndyCar also outlined testing license requirements, which include competing in eight Indy Lights races—or scoring two wins in the current season.
