The steps to get to IndyCar

Introduction

A lot of IndyCar drivers have started in karting and worked their way up. Drivers like Scott McLaughlin, Colton Herta, and Alex Palou all began their racing journey in karting. Sarah Fisher and her husband Andy O’Gara, both former IndyCar racers, even owned a karting track in Indiana. Many IndyCar drivers still race karts in their free time to stay sharp, and you’ll often find them at local tracks supporting the younger generation.

Karting

Karting is the first step in your motor racing journey. It’s where you learn fundamentals like driving technique, race craft, and how to provide feedback. Attend a few local races to see if it’s something you truly want to pursue, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. A used chassis is often a good starting point before investing in a new one.

Before your first race, get lots of practice by driving at different tracks during the week. Start racing at a local club level before progressing to regional and national events. Tracks like New Castle Motorsports Park (Indiana) and Trackhouse Motorplex (North Carolina) are known for strong competition and even occasional visits from pro drivers.

When you’re ready for regional racing, Cup Karts North America is ideal for four-cycle (Briggs LO206) karts. For two-stroke (KA100, IAME Swift), Route 66 and USPKS are great options. Regional racing costs more—especially for tires and fuel—and usually spans an entire weekend.

National-level racing is the next step. Cup Karts runs national four-cycle events, while SKUSA (SuperKartsUSA) is the top-tier series for two-stroke racing. Their events like the Winter Series and SuperNats in Las Vegas attract global talent. National racing is the most expensive, but also the most competitive, often involving teams, coaches, and data analysis.

USF

USF Juniors is the next step after karting, featuring open-wheel cars with wings and slick tires. It introduces concepts like downforce and suspension. Many IndyCar drivers—like Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta, and David Malukas—graduated from the USF Pro series.

You can start in USF Juniors or directly in USF2000. USF Junior offers prize money and scholarships to move up. USF2000 introduces oval racing at Indianapolis. After that, you move to USF Pro 2000—similar cars with more performance—then on to Indy NXT.

F4

An alternative to the USF path is F4. The F4 US Championship is focused on helping karters transition to bigger cars. Schools like Lucas Oil and Skip Barber help you get started. The F4 series runs separate from the Road to Indy ladder, making it more budget-friendly while still offering a pathway to Indy NXT through scholarships.

Indy NXT

Indy NXT is the final step before IndyCar. These cars are close to IndyCars in speed and handling, making the transition easier. The series offers a $1 million prize to the champion to support their IndyCar debut.

Some European F2 and F3 drivers are now using Indy NXT as a route into IndyCar if F1 opportunities don’t arise or budgets are too high.

Conclusion

There are many paths to IndyCar, but most begin in karting. While it can be costly, karting is the most affordable way to learn core racing skills. As you progress to open-wheel racing, sponsorship and team partnerships become critical. With dedication and support, it’s possible to climb the ladder to professional racing.

Credits

• How to get into karting – Red Bull
• USF Juniors – The Series
• USF Pro Championships
• Getting Started – F4 US Championship
• Formula 4 – Radford Racing School
• About The Road to Indy

– Written by Mary Badgley