IndyCar, like NASCAR and Formula 1, has seen many drivers who have left an indelible mark in the history of the sport. These are the drivers whose skill, achievements, and impact have left an insurmountable legacy.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 greatest IndyCar drivers of all time (in no particular order).
1. A.J. Foyt
With 67 race wins and seven National Championships, A.J. Foyt is the undisputed king of IndyCar racing. The racing legend dominated across multiple eras of the sport. He has four victories in the Indianapolis 500 across two decades. Foyt's consistency makes him arguably the most resilient driver the sport has ever seen.
2. Mario Andretti
One of the most versatile racers in motorsports history, Mario Andretti achieved greatness not just in IndyCar but in various disciplines. His 1969 Indianapolis 500 victory and four championships cemented his place among the all-time greats. The racing icon, who has 52 IndyCar race wins to his name, also claimed a Formula 1 Drivers' Championship victory.
3. Rick Mears
Rick Mears is a name synonymous with the Indianapolis 500. The racing legend clinched victory four times at the iconic race. He excelled on oval tracks, having won three National Championships. The Penske Racing star has 29 race wins to his name. Mears' calm demeanor and precision driving made him a master of the Indy 500's intense pressure.
4. Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon has been a dominant force in modern IndyCar racing. Known as "The Iceman," Dixon has won six championships in his career. The Kiwi driver has 57 race wins to his name and also emerged victorious in the 2008 Indianapolis 500.
5. Al Unser Sr.
Al Unser Sr. has earned impressive success at the Indianapolis 500, where he shares the record for most wins (4). He won a total of 39 races in his career and three National Championships.
6. Dario Franchitti
The Scottish superstar dominated the late 2000s and early 2010s with his world-class race management skills. Franchitti won three Indianapolis 500 races and four championships. He claimed a total of 31 wins in his career.
7. Helio Castroneves
Known for his infectious personality and signature fence-climbing celebrations, Helio Castroneves is one of the most beloved figures in the sport. He has four Indianapolis 500 wins, tied for the most in history. While not an IndyCar champion, he has 31 race wins. Castroneves’ showmanship and charisma have endeared him to fans worldwide.
8. Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser was one of the most tactically sound drivers of all time. The racing legend won the Indy 500 race three times in his career and has 35 career victories. He is also a 2-time IROC champion. Unser’s calculated risks on the track often gave him an edge over his competitors.
9. Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi brought international acclaim to IndyCar, transitioning from Formula 1. He won 22 races, two Indianapolis 500 victories, and clinched the championship in 1989. Fittipaldi’s international success brought global attention to the series, making him a true ambassador of the sport.
10. Will Power
Will Power’s 44 race wins and two National Championships have made him one of the most successful drivers of the modern era. He also won the Indianapolis 500 race in 2018.