News Summary
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the venue for the Indianapolis 8 Hour endurance race, featuring international racing stars and manufacturers. Scheduled for October 2025, this event will draw top teams and drivers, including notable figures from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and MotoGP. With a challenging race structure and a diverse car lineup, the Indianapolis 8 Hour promises to be a significant highlight in the motorsport calendar, showcasing the enduring legacy of IMS.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Major Racing Event Set for October 2025
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) will host the Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS from October 16-18, 2025, featuring a diverse lineup of international racing stars and manufacturers. This endurance race, known for its length and complexity, will mark a significant milestone in the racing calendar, drawing top teams and drivers from around the world to compete on IMS’s celebrated road course.
Top Drivers and Their Debuts in the Event
Among those making notable appearances are Will Power and Conor Daly, two prominent figures in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Power, a two-time series champion and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, will participate in his first sports car race, marking a major transition in his racing career. He will drive the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO alongside Australian teammates Kenny Habul and Chaz Mostert.
Conor Daly will join the field in the No. 99 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, sharing the car with Kenton Koch and Connor De Phillippi. Their participation exemplifies the event’s broad appeal, bringing together different racing disciplines for a multi-faceted competition.
Race Structure, Participating Series, and Car Lineup
The Indianapolis 8 Hour features seven racing series competing on IMS’s road course, emphasizing a global array of sports car brands. A total of 25 cars will race through the eight-hour duration, representing manufacturers including Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche.
The length of the race, from 12:20 PM to 8:20 PM ET on October 18, will include daylight and night-time segments, testing drivers’ endurance and team strategy. The event is the longest race of the season held at IMS, illustrating its importance in the sports car racing calendar.
Notable Drivers and Teams
Legendary MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi will make his four-wheeled debut by sharing the No. 46 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts. Rossi’s involvement brings a significant spotlight to the event, blending two-wheeled motorcycle racing prestige with four-wheel sports car competition.
In another competitive entry, Toby Sowery and Colin Braun will share the No. 04 CrowdStrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with George Kurtz. These drivers, among others, will compete for both manufacturer and driver titles across series, enhancing the race’s prestige.
Championships and Standings
Participants will also be vying for titles within the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Currently, Kelvin van der Linde leads the driver’s championship standings, closely followed by Raffaele Marciello. BMW currently leads Porsche in the manufacturers’ standings by 18 points, with hopes of securing their first title in this competition.
Power’s co-driver, Kenny Habul, is also in contention for the Intercontinental GT Challenge Independent Cup, competing alongside Ralf Bohn and Antares Au for the accolade. The points and standings add an extra layer of rivalry and excitement, emphasizing the competitive nature of the series beyond just the race itself.
Schedule and Additional Events
Practice sessions will take place on the evening of October 16 and the morning of October 17, with qualifying scheduled for October 17 at 3:35 PM ET. The event weekend also includes ancillary races, such as GT America powered by AWS, McLaren Trophy America, and GT4 America, taking advantage of IMS’s comprehensive sports car facilities.
Special Discoveries and Public Access
During recent repaving of Turn 2, IMS uncovered the original brick racing surface laid in 1909, providing a historic link to the circuit’s early days. Gates for the general public will open on October 16, 17, and 18, allowing fans to experience this world-class racing event firsthand.
Conclusion
The Indianapolis 8 Hour will serve as a major highlight in the 2025 motorsport calendar, featuring a mix of established champions, international racing legends, and new entrants in a grueling endurance race. With diverse series, international competitors, and a historic backdrop, this event aims to captivate racing enthusiasts and showcase the enduring legacy of IMS as a premier motorsport venue.
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Additional Resources
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: 8 Hour Preview
- Performance Racing: Race Events Weekend October 17-19
- Hendrick Motorsports: Indy 500 Schedule & Events
- Wikipedia: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
