How Much Does An Indycar Cost?

Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The IndyCar series is one of the most nerve-racking and entertaining competitions in all sports. It is very popular right from its beginnings, somewhere at the beginning of the 20th century. Millions of people have this as a hobby all over the world and enjoy everything related to it.

For people interested in participating in the sport themselves, a burning question is: How much does an IndyCar cost? This article will give you information about the cost of an IndyCar piece by piece so that you have a better idea of what you’re getting into.

What is an Indycar?

The Indycar is a specific type of racing vehicle, very similar to Formula 1 vehicles, open-wheeled and made for the purpose of participating in the IndyCar racing series.

These types of automobiles are made to be as aerodynamic and as light as possible so that they can achieve top speeds that sometimes reach 320 kilometers per hour. They can produce over 700 horsepower due to their 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

The chassis of Indycars is built specifically to endure high-velocity hits usually seen in racing, being built from carbon fiber, which is typical for racing vehicles.

How much does an IndyCar cost?

The cost of an IndyCar that is competitive for a season is anywhere between $5 million and $15 million or more per car, depending on the resources and objectives of the IndyCar team. This is a lot less than the average F1 car costs. These are just estimates, as the final cost will vary based on several factors, out of which the most important is the type of individual parts the car has. Economic factors, changes in technology, as well as inflation, can also affect the final price of an IndyCar.

Indycar Engine

One of the most important components of an Indycar is its engine, as this can push it to the first place in a race. You can spend somewhere between $80,000 and $140,000 on the Indycar engine alone.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Go-Karts, Nascar Race Car driving, or Top Fuel Dragsters.

Different manufacturers have different prices for the engine, while the year in which it was made will also influence the final cost. These engines are especially robust and very dependable so that drivers have the ability to get to top speeds of 220 miles per hour or more.

Indycar Chassis

The price of the Indycar chassis will probably differ depending on both the year in which it was made and its manufacturer.

Expect a price between $200,000 and $600,000 for a brand-new Indy car chassis. You can also get a used Indy car chassis, which will probably be priced considerably lower. Depending on its age and whether it is in working condition or not, the price of the used chassis can range between $50,000 and $150,000.

Tires and Wheels for Indy Cars

Other very important parts of the Indy vehicle are the tires and wheels. These will usually cost between $10,000 and $25,000 when getting a complete set of tires and wheels.

These tires are specifically made using a soft composition to provide a great grip on the track. They are made to be ideal for the conditions on track, as they were made specifically for high-speed racing. The thought process behind it is that wheels have to be able to endure strains and high speeds associated with racing. They have to be sturdy but were also developed to be lightweight.

The Cost of Safety Equipment

As with most racing cars, when it comes to IndyCar racing, a lot of emphasis is put on the safety of the driver. Expect to spend anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 on the protective gear.

This should include all kinds of protective gear like shoes, gloves, fire suits, and helmets, among others. The main focus is that in case of a collision or accident on the track, the driver be protected by the safety equipment made specifically for this.

Electronics and Data Acquisition

Although Indycars are made to be lightweight, drivers of more contemporary models still have access to electronic equipment made to give them data on the performance of the vehicle while driving.

You will usually spend between $25,000 and $75,000 on these systems, but the more complex they are, the more information they can gather to be used for winning races. With enough information, you will know exactly what changes the engine or suspension of the car needs to work better. Other components might also show to need improvements so that the vehicle’s overall performance can be improved on the track.

Final words

The price of an Indycar is anywhere between $5 million and $15 million, depending on several important factors, like the individual parts, their manufacturing year, and the maker behind them. A new engine for an Indycar can cost between $80,000 and $140,000, while a new chassis will be more expensive, with prices between $200,000 and $600,000.