How much money does the 2025 Indy 500 winner get?
After a brief dip, the Indy 500 winner’s purse is back where it used to be: at eye-watering amounts.
The Indy 500 has arrived back on the calendar and with it so too has the anticipation, the nerves, the fanfare and of course the massive purse on offer.
Indeed, many feared for the survival of the sport during and following the pandemic - this was the case with many other sports as well - but given that the purse has reached record levels this year, it would be safe to say that motorsports in America has successfully bounced back from the effects of the global pandemic.
Yet, just how much is the purse and what percentage of it does the winner get?
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is so big that it could fit:
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) May 23, 2025
• Churchill Downs
• Yankee Stadium
• Rose Bowl
• Taj Mahal
• The White House
• Liberty Island
• Roman Colosseum
• Vatican City
With 350,000 fans, the Indy 500 is the world's biggest single-day sporting event. pic.twitter.com/kxHm9tCsQU
How much does the Indy 500 winner receive?
While the Indianapolis 500 might be one of the giants of the racing world in terms of prestige, as a single event, it still remains a few places behind the astronomical levels set by Formula One.
Last year at the Indy 500, winning driver Josef Newgarden won a record $4.288 million of an $18.456 million purse. This year, that number has grown substantially. Sponsors and television deals have seen the prize fund grow, and in the 2025 edition the winner will presumably earn more. The only thing is, we won’t know how much until after the race.
How is the Indy 500 purse calculated?
To be clear, the purse is allocated using a complicated set of formulas, including the final placement, the number of laps completed, the number of laps led, and sponsorship income, so there is no guarantee that the top finishers will take the lion’s share of the pot, but rest assured somebody is going home with a fat paycheck. How much you ask?
The wild EDM party at Indy 500 you never knew about
Pre-pandemic, the winner’s share stood at approximately $2.4 million, which means things have definitely improved since. In this year’s race, not only have ticket sales been spiked, but the estimated winner’s take is now well above $4 million, which is in keeping with recent years. Not bad for a day’s work.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names