Overview
American open-wheel car racing, also known as Indy car racing, is a category of professional automobile racing in the United States. As of 2026, the top-level American open-wheel racing championship is the IndyCar Series, which is sanctioned by IndyCar, LLC. Competitive events for professional-level, open-wheel race cars have been conducted under the auspices of various sanctioning bodies, and traces it roots as far back as 1902. A season-long, points-based, National Championship of drivers has been officially recognized in 1905, 1916, and each year since 1920. As such, for many years, this discipline of motorsports was known as championship car racing. That name has fallen from use, and the term Indy Car racing has become the preferred moniker.