INDYCAR Rookies Share Their Experiences from St. Petersburg Debut
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida marked a significant milestone for three promising rookies – Jacob Abel, Louis Foster, and Robert Shwartzman – as they made their series debut in North America’s premier open-wheel racing championship.
Notable Rookie Lineup
The 2024 season introduces a talented rookie class to the INDYCAR field:
- Jacob Abel
- Louis Foster
- Robert Shwartzman
Championship Context
The rookie debuts come as the series continues to showcase international talent alongside established champions:
- Alex Palou – Three-time and current 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
"The NTT INDYCAR SERIES represents the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America, featuring some of the world’s most versatile drivers."
Racing Diversity
The series challenges drivers across multiple racing formats:
- Superspeedways
- Short ovals
- Street circuits
- Permanent road courses
Media Coverage
Starting in 2025, significant changes are coming to INDYCAR’s broadcast coverage:
| Broadcast Partner | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| FOX Sports | Exclusive U.S. television rights |
| Live Coverage | All NTT INDYCAR SERIES races |
| Featured Event | 109th Indianapolis 500 |
"The combination of seasoned champions and promising rookies continues to strengthen INDYCAR’s position as a premier racing series."
Series Evolution
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES maintains its reputation for competitive racing by:
- Fostering international talent development
- Providing diverse racing challenges
- Maintaining high-level competition
- Supporting rookie development
The debut of Abel, Foster, and Shwartzman at St. Petersburg represents the ongoing evolution of the series, as new talent joins the ranks to compete against established champions. Their entry into the series adds fresh perspective and competition to an already dynamic field of international drivers competing at the highest level of open-wheel racing in North America.
This continuous influx of new talent, combined with the presence of multiple champions and diverse racing formats, ensures that the NTT INDYCAR SERIES remains a challenging and prestigious competition for both veteran drivers and ambitious newcomers alike.
