Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver and three-time IndyCar Series champion, recently described the Fox Corporation’s acquisition of a stake in Penske Entertainment as a “huge” development. The announcement came on July 31, marking a significant milestone that promises to expand IndyCar’s reach through exclusive broadcasting rights and enhanced promotion of the series.
Fox Corporation acquired one-third ownership in IndyCar’s parent company, Penske Entertainment, shortly after the Indianapolis 500 in May, an event that saw a remarkable 41% increase in viewership compared to NBC’s previous broadcasts. This deal positions Fox as a strong partner capable of delivering IndyCar to a wider audience while helping to elevate the sport’s visibility and appeal across various platforms.
Palou Highlights Impact of Fox Partnership on IndyCar’s Media Reach
When asked about the implications of this partnership, Alex Palou emphasized the value of having Fox’s established media capabilities working alongside IndyCar. He conveyed optimism about how Fox’s involvement would enhance the sport’s marketing and audience engagement strategies by leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise.
“I think having a partner like this that they don’t need to look for the media — not the media. They don’t need to look for how to reach more people. They can reach more people. So having somebody in your team that already is capable of doing that and it needs only to find ways to do it appropriately and make sense for the business on the INDYCAR side and their side, I think it’s going to be huge.”
—Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing driver
Palou’s assessment suggests confidence that this alliance will strengthen the commercial and promotional prospects of IndyCar, benefiting drivers, teams, and fans alike by broadening the series’ accessibility and appeal.
Current Season Performance: Palou’s Strong Lead in the Championship
The 2025 season has been impressive for Palou, who has already won eight of fourteen races, giving him a commanding lead in the standings. He is currently 121 points ahead of Pato O’Ward, the Arrow McLaren driver who sits in second place. Palou’s dominance this season keeps him on track to secure his fourth title in five years and his third consecutive championship.
Reflection on Mid-Ohio Race and Overcoming Setbacks
Despite his strong season, Palou recently experienced a setback at the Mid-Ohio race, where he finished second after losing the lead due to a driving error. On lap 80 of the 90-lap race, he ran wide entering turn nine, which caused him to lose position to teammate Scott Dixon, who went on to win the race.
Speaking about the disappointment to IndyCar staff writer Curt Cavin, Palou expressed that while the mistake was frustrating, it would not linger emotionally for long, emphasizing his focus on moving forward. He also acknowledged the positive aspects of the race, such as securing the pole position, leading 75 laps, and finishing strongly.
“That’s why probably it’s not going to take two days to recover (from throwing away Sunday’s race). It’s going to take just a couple of hours. It’s still an amazing result, finishing second, running up front, leading 75 laps, getting the pole, and just running really, really fast all weekend. It’s been amazing and (extended) the points lead as well.”
—Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing driver
This resilience highlights Palou’s ability to maintain composure and focus despite on-track challenges, further underlining his status as a leading contender in IndyCar racing.
Implications of the Fox-IndyCar Deal for the Sport’s Future
The partnership between Fox and IndyCar is expected to bring significant benefits by increasing the sport’s visibility and attracting new fans. With Fox’s broadcasting expertise combined with IndyCar’s excitement and competitive racing, the deal could transform how the series is marketed and consumed globally. For drivers like Alex Palou, this means greater exposure and support as they compete at the highest level.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain on Palou’s pursuit of another championship and on how the Fox-IndyCar collaboration will shape the future of American open-wheel racing.