A new chapter begins for virtual open-wheel racing: INDYCAR, iRacing, and Thrustmaster have officially confirmed that the INDYCAR Thrustmaster iRacing Pro Series will return for the 2025–26 season, with races resuming in January 2026.
This revival brings with it a fresh twist: an all-new qualifying series using the Dallara IL-15 (the spec car used in INDY NXT) to help determine grid orders.
Here’s a deep dive into what this means for sim-racing, INDYCAR’s esports strategy, and why fans should be excited.
What’s New: Format, Cars, and Timing
1. Qualifying via the IL-15
One of the biggest changes is the inclusion of a Qualifying Series using the Dallara IL-15, the same chassis used in real-world INDY NXT by Firestone.
Sim racers will have to “walk the same path” as prospective real-world INDYCAR drivers: mastering the IL-15 before earning their place in the Pro Series. As iRacing President Tony Gardner put it, the new format “adds another level of realism.”
It’s a clever structural bridge: the Qualifying Series becomes a virtual feeder series, filtering talent into the top-tier virtual INDYCAR grid.
2. Pro Series Kicks Off in January 2026
The Pro Series will return in early 2026, with races scheduled Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. ET. Events will be broadcast live across iRacing’s channels and the official INDYCAR YouTube/website.
Before that, the new Qualifying Series begins in October 2025.
3. $50,000 Prize Pool, Mixed Circuits
The Pro Series will again offer a $50,000 prize pool, contested across a mix of ovals, road courses, and street circuits—mirroring the real-world variety of INDYCAR.
It’s a robust incentive for top sim racers to commit—offering both prestige and real reward.
Why This Matters: Strategic Implications & Synergies
Aligning Virtual and Real-World Ladders
By requiring drivers to compete in IL-15 races for qualifying, the virtual series mirrors the real-world progression: many drivers use INDY NXT as a stepping stone to full INDYCAR competition. This blurs the line between sim racing as hobby and serious talent pipeline.
Boosting INDYCAR’s Digital Footprint
This announcement doesn’t exist in isolation. INDYCAR and iRacing have already committed to a deeper partnership:
- In 2025, iRacing released INDYCAR-relevant content like Portland International Raceway and the Dallara IL-15 itself.
- More significantly, it was revealed that iRacing Studios will develop a dedicated INDYCAR video game for PC and consoles targeting a 2026 release.
This sim + console strategy helps INDYCAR reach both hardcore sim racers and broader gaming audiences.
Building the Virtual Talent Pool
The original Pro Series season (fall 2024) laid the groundwork: Diogo Pinto won the inaugural championship, combining consistency with a win at Laguna Seca.
The new qualifying structure could raise the bar—only the most proficient IL-15 drivers will make the grid, potentially elevating the level of competition. For emerging sim racers, the Qualifying Series may become as fiercely contested as the Pro races themselves.
The Dallara IL-15: Specs & Significance
The IL-15 is no throwaway spec car. Here’s what makes it a solid choice:
- It produces approximately 450 hp from a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine.
- In iRacing, it’s classified as a Class C car, used in both road and oval fixed series.
- The IL-15 brings features like push-to-pass in road settings, adding tactical depth.
In short, it’s a capable “mid-tier” open-wheel car, ideal for filtering talent without overwhelming newcomers.
What to Watch & Potential Challenges
1. Calendar & Track Selection
Details of the full schedule are still pending, but the mix of ovals, road, and street circuits remains intact. Whether this includes circuit variants like IMS, Long Beach, Mid-Ohio, or new street venues will be crucial for fan engagement.
2. Qualifying Series as Portal
How accessible the IL-15 Qualifier will be—and whether there will be tiers or divisions—will affect who can realistically try for a spot in the Pro grid. Overly restrictive or expensive entry could stifle diversity; too lax and the Pro grid could become diluted.
3. Integration with the Upcoming INDYCAR Game
With iRacing Studios building a stand-alone INDYCAR game, there’s a risk of fragmentation: will sim racers feel compelled to switch platforms? Or will the game borrow heavily from iRacing’s physics, codebase, and content?
Early signs suggest reuse of assets and collaboration: iRacing Studios’ prior acquisitions of Monster Games and Orontes Games hint at leveraging internal synergies.
4. Maintaining Competitive Integrity
As with any esport series, ensuring fair play, anti-cheat enforcement, stable servers, and consistent officiating will be vital. With live broadcasts, viewer expectations are high.
The Big Picture
The revival of the INDYCAR Thrustmaster iRacing Pro Series with its new IL-15 qualifying format represents a strategic maturation of INDYCAR’s digital and esports approach. It’s no longer just “sim racing as exhibition”—it’s a cohesive ecosystem:
- Qualifying (IL-15) → Pro Series (INDYCAR-style cars) → Possibly crossover to real motorsport or visibility in console/PC game
For sim racing fans, it promises higher stakes, more clarity in progression, and better alignment with real open-wheel racing pathways.
Mark your calendars: October 2025 will bring qualifying action, and come January 2026, Thursday nights will have a new dose of virtual speed and intensity.
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