Baseball Legend A-Rod Gets First INDYCAR Experience in St. Petersburg
Alex Rodriguez, baseball icon and MLB on FOX analyst, recently experienced the raw power and speed of INDYCAR racing during a memorable two-seater ride at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This marked Rodriguez's first direct exposure to the high-performance world of open-wheel racing.
The Experience
Rodriguez's introduction to INDYCAR included:
- A specialized two-seater orientation
- High-speed laps around the St. Petersburg street circuit
- First-hand experience of INDYCAR's acceleration and handling
About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES stands as North America's leading open-wheel racing championship, featuring:
- International roster of elite drivers
- Diverse racing formats:
- Superspeedways
- Short ovals
- Street circuits
- Permanent road courses
Current Notable Champions
| Driver | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Alex Palou | Three-time and reigning series champion |
| Will Power | Two-time series champion |
| Scott Dixon | Six-time series champion |
| Josef Newgarden | Two-time series champion and current Indianapolis 500 winner |
Future Broadcasting
Beginning in 2025, FOX Sports will become the exclusive U.S. television home for INDYCAR, with all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races airing live on FOX.
A highlight of this new partnership will be the broadcast of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, marking a significant milestone in the series' television coverage.
Series Significance
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES represents the pinnacle of versatile racing, challenging drivers across multiple track types and racing conditions.
The championship showcases:
- Elite international talent
- Technical innovation
- Diverse racing disciplines
- Championship-caliber competition
This series continues to attract high-profile personalities like Rodriguez, demonstrating its appeal beyond traditional racing audiences. The two-seater program offers a unique perspective on the physical demands and technical precision required in INDYCAR racing, providing guests with an authentic taste of professional open-wheel competition.
The combination of legendary venues, world-class drivers, and cutting-edge technology makes the NTT INDYCAR SERIES a premier motorsport destination. Rodriguez's experience highlights the series' ability to impress even accomplished athletes from other sports, showcasing the unique challenges and thrills of open-wheel racing at the highest level.
