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Fox Sports Reveals Major INDYCAR News After Alabama Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 6, 2025 12:09 PM ET

It was an incredible weekend of racing at Barber Motorsports Park, where the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix delivered a thrilling finish. Alex Palou took the checkered flag with a winning time of 1:45.33.

Christian Lundgaard secured second place at 1:46:49.15, while Scott McLaughlin, who led three of the race's 90 laps, finished third with a time of 1:46:56.59. McLaughlin was chasing a three-peat, having won this event in both 2023 and 2024.

Anticipation was high leading into the race, with Barber Motorsports Park preparing for record crowds after more than 80,000 fans attended in 2024. This year, the venue expected nearly 90,000 spectators.

Fans weren’t just showing up in person. They also tuned in from home in record numbers. Fox Sports Public Relations announced significant viewership gains from the successful weekend.

"Big numbers at Barber! @INDYCARonFOX raced to a +20% viewership increase on Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park on FOX, averaging 914,000 viewers," Fox Sports PR posted.

Big numbers at Barber! @INDYCARonFOX raced to a +20% viewership increase on Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park on FOX, averaging 914,000 viewers pic.twitter.com/QGIrTTH7BC
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) May 6, 2025

This marked Palou’s second victory at Barber. He previously won the event in 2021, which was also his first checkered flag on the Indy circuit.

The 28-year-old Spaniard, competing for Chip Ganassi Racing, now has 14 career wins. He's won three of the first four races this season, including the series' first two events in St. Petersburg, Florida and Thermal, California.

So far this season, INDYCAR on Fox has averaged 899,000 viewers — a 25% increase from last year’s 720,000.

Next up on the INDYCAR schedule is Indianapolis. Palou will aim to defend his title at the Sonsio Grand Prix at the IMS Road Course. That sets the stage for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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