"F**k this s**t, destroying the sport" - Indy fans slam Roger Penske for introducing NASCAR-style charter system

IndyCar has introduced a charter system, starting in 2025, and the move has sparked backlash from fans on social media.

The new charter system was announced across the NTT IndyCar Series on September 23. It guarantees a starting spot for 25 entries in all races except the Indianapolis 500. This system will run until 2031 and is supposed to give more stability to teams and their finances. IndyCar owner Roger Penske used his NASCAR experience to help develop the charter agreement. Ten teams have already accepted the charters.

While many team owners received the charters positively, the news was mostly met with criticism from fans of the sport.

Many fans openly expressed their frustration with the new IndyCar charter system on X.

"Fuck this shit, destroying the sport I love," replied one fan.

"I don't like that. There should be no guaranteed starting spots for anyone at any given race. If you DNQ you go home," remarked another user.

While some fans were relieved that the Indy 500 race was exempted from the charter system, others were not surprised. One fan even supported the decision for bringing stability to teams.

"Boooooooo *At least Indy 500 isnt a locked in event," wrote a fan.

"Shame but then again this is not a surprise seeing F1 and NASCAR... And other American sports leagues as well," replied another fan.

"Obviously the system is working and creates stability and worth for teams," commented one fan.

Many critics have compared the new charter system to the 25-and-8 rule from 1995, which caused CART teams to boycott the 1996 Indianapolis 500. This rule had caused many fans to leave IndyCar.

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IndyCar team owners welcome the new charter system

Penske Entertainment and 10 full-time IndyCar teams have agreed on a new charter membership program that started from Monday, September 23rd.

To join the Leaders Circle program, which rewards the top 22 finishers, teams need a charter. The charters are given to team owners based on their full-time entries from the last two seasons, with a maximum of three charters per team.

President of AJ Foyt Racing, Larry Foyt, expressed his support (via motorsport.com):

"I appreciate the efforts made by the IndyCar and Penske leadership groups, as well as all the owners, to get this charter system started."

Team owner and CEO of Chip Ganassi Racing also shared his positive views.

"When you look back in the modern era of IndyCar racing, you will look at a few important moments, the first being the unification of the sport, the next being Roger Penske buying the IndyCar Series and IMS and I truly believe the third will be the charter system,” Ganassi said.

The 2025 chartered teams include AJ Foyt Enterprises, Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Team Penske.