News Summary
Renowned MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi will compete in the Indianapolis 8 Hour endurance race, debuting in four-wheel GT racing. Scheduled for October 16-18, the event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will also feature Rossi racing the No. 46 BMW alongside prominent drivers. This marks his first participation in an Intercontinental GT Challenge event in the U.S., highlighting his transition from motorcycle to car racing. The event will host various supporting races, enhancing the fan experience and community engagement.
Indianapolis, Indiana — Valentino Rossi to Take Part in Indianapolis 8 Hour Race in 2025
Valentino Rossi, the renowned seven-time MotoGP World Champion, will make his debut in the Indianapolis 8 Hour endurance race scheduled for October 16-18, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). This marks a new chapter in Rossi’s racing career, transitioning from two-wheel MotoGP competitions to four-wheel GT racing.
Rossi’s Background and Upcoming Race
During his storied MotoGP career, Rossi claimed victory at the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP in 2008, racing at IMS. Now, he prepares to race alongside prominent drivers Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde, driving the No. 46 BMW. They are part of the WRT and BMW factory-supported entries competing in the race. For Rossi, this will be his first time competing in an Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) event in the United States.
Details of the Indianapolis 8 Hour Race
The Indianapolis 8 Hour is set on a 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course at IMS. It is a major event part of both the IGTC and Fanatec GT World Challenge America series. The race begins at 12:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, and continues until 8:15 p.m. ET, running into dusk, offering spectators a unique racing experience. The race’s layout and timing are designed to showcase high-performance GT cars amid dramatic lighting conditions.
Previous Achievements and Significance
Rossi’s previous notable achievements in endurance racing include finishing second overall at both the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Abu Dhabi GT race, accumulating valuable endurance and consistency experience. His participation in the Indianapolis 8 Hour marks a significant milestone as the first time Rossi will race in an IGTC event in the United States, further emphasizing his expanding international racing pursuits.
Additional Racing Events During the Weekend
The race weekend features a variety of supporting events, including doubleheader races from GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School, Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Cup North America, and the McLaren Trophy America. These events provide multiple racing opportunities across different classes, attracting a diverse range of drivers and teams.
Fan Experience and Access Regulations
Attendees at IMS will experience several restrictions to enhance safety and convenience. Cooler sizes larger than 18x15x15 inches are not permitted, and fans are limited to bringing one cooler and one backpack or bag each. For free viewing options, fans can watch Sunday’s races from the Turn 2 Mounds. Tickets, including single and multiday passes for the race weekend, are available for purchase through the IMS website.
Additional Highlights and Events
Recent developments at IMS include the uncovering of historic racing surfaces during the repaving of a portion of Turn 2, revealing bricks dating back to 1937 and original construction materials from 1909. Moreover, plans for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May 2026 have been confirmed, with a prominent English driver set to return with the same team and sponsorship as previous years.
Facilities and Parking Information
IMS is a cashless facility, with all transactions—including ticketing, parking, and concessions—requiring electronic payments. Minimal street parking will be available in designated areas and monitored during the event to ensure smooth traffic flow. Also, fans and attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable race experience.
Community Engagement
Local artists from the Indianapolis area are invited to submit applications by October 26, 2025, for consideration in race-related events and displays, supporting community involvement during the race weekend.
Summary of Key Facts
- The Indianapolis 8 Hour race is scheduled for October 16-18, 2025, at IMS.
- Valentino Rossi plans to race in the No. 46 BMW alongside Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde.
- The race begins on October 17 at 12:15 p.m. ET and ends at 8:15 p.m. ET, running into dusk.
- This event marks Rossi’s first IGTC race in the United States.
- Additional supporting races include GT America, Pirelli GT4 America, and others.
- Fans are limited to one cooler and one backpack; cooler size restrictions are in place.
- Tickets for the race weekend are available online through IMS.
- Recent repaving at IMS uncovered historic bricks dating back to 1937 and 1909.
- Participation in the Indianapolis 500 in May 2026 is confirmed for a returning English driver with the same team and sponsor.
- IMS is a cashless facility for all transactions.
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Additional Resources
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Rossi 8 Hour News
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: IMSA Plan Ahead
- Wikipedia: Valentino Rossi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motor Racing
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Tire Rack News
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.
