IndyCar 2025 Season Kicks Off with High Stakes
The 2025 IndyCar season is set to roar into life this weekend, March 2, with the highly anticipated Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This season opener, airing on FOX, promises to be a thrilling start to what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. Last year, Pato O’Ward took the win after Josef Newgarden was disqualified, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s event. As the drivers prepare to hit the track, fans and bettors alike are eagerly watching to see who will come out on top. Let’s dive into the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of February 24 to get a feel for who might be in the pole position.
Top Contenders with the Best Odds
Leading the pack is Josef Newgarden, who, despite his disqualification last year, is still the favorite with odds of +370. A $10 bet on Newgarden could net you a total of $47, which speaks to the confidence many have in his skills and experience. Newgarden, known for his consistent performance and strategic acumen, will be looking to redeem himself and start the season strong.
Right behind Newgarden are Scott McLaughlin and Pato O’Ward, both with odds of +600. McLaughlin’s rapid adaptation to IndyCar and his impressive performances in recent seasons have made him a formidable contender. O’Ward, the reigning winner of the St. Petersburg event, will be aiming to repeat his success and solidify his position as a rising star in the series. A $10 bet on either could yield a $70 total payout.
Colton Herta, also at +600, has been a dominant force in IndyCar, particularly in street circuits. His youthful exuberance and technical expertise make him a strong favorite, and a win here would be a significant boost to his already impressive career. Alex Palou, at +850, rounds out the top contenders with a $10 bet potentially earning $95. Palou’s versatility and consistent top finishes have earned him a spot among the favorites.
Mid-Range Favorites with a Lot to Prove
Will Power and Scott Dixon, both veterans of the series, are listed at +1100 and +1200, respectively. Power, a former series champion, has a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the St. Petersburg track, which could be a decisive factor. Dixon, one of the most decorated drivers in IndyCar history, has a knack for coming through in high-pressure situations. Winning bets on these seasoned professionals would net you $120 and $130, respectively.
Kyle Kirkwood and Christian Lundgaard, both at +1200 and +1400, bring a mix of talent and ambition. Kirkwood’s smooth driving style and strong performances in qualifying sessions have earned him a place among the mid-range favorites. Lundgaard, who has shown flashes of brilliance, is looking to build on his early promise and make a statement in St. Petersburg. A $10 bet on Kirkwood could return $130, while a similar bet on Lundgaard would yield $150.
Dark Horses with Long Odds
Marcus Ericsson, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alexander Rossi, all at +1800, +2000, and +2000, respectively, are considered dark horses but have the potential to surprise. Ericsson’s resilience and strong finishes in previous seasons make him a solid choice, while Rosenqvist’s aggressive driving style could pay off on the narrow and challenging St. Petersburg circuit. Rossi, a former Indy 500 winner, has a history of delivering when it matters most. Winning bets on these drivers would return $190, $210, and $210, respectively.
David Malukas, Rinus Veekay, and Marcus Armstrong, at +2500, +4000, and +4000, are relative newcomers with long odds but significant potential. Malukas has shown steady improvement and could be a sleeper pick. Veekay’s raw talent and Armstrong’s consistent performance in junior series races make them ones to watch. A $10 bet on Malukas could net you $260, while bets on Veekay and Armstrong would return $410.
Underdogs with a Fighting Chance
Santino Ferrucci, Graham Rahal, and Conor Daly, at +5000, +6000, and +6000, respectively, are underdogs but have the driving skills and determination to upset the favorites. Ferrucci’s aggressive and fearless approach to racing could see him make a strong run, while Rahal and Daly, both with strong pedigrees, have the experience to navigate the unpredictable nature of the St. Petersburg track. A $10 bet on Ferrucci could earn you $510, while bets on Rahal and Daly would return $610.
Callum Ilott, Nolan Siegel, Louis Foster, and Devlin DeFrancesco, at +6000, +8000, +8000, and +10000, respectively, are the long shots in this race. These young drivers bring fresh energy and new strategies to the circuit, and while the odds are steep, a victory by any of them would be a major upset. A $10 bet on Ilott could net you $610, while bets on Siegel, Foster, and DeFrancesco would return $810 and $1,010, respectively.
Longest Odds: The Wildcards
At the longest odds are Sting Ray Robb, Robert Shwartzman, Kyffin Simpson, Jacob Abel, and Christian Rasmussen, all at +20000. These drivers are the true wildcards, with a $10 bet potentially earning a massive $2,010 if they pull off a surprise win. While the chances are slim, the history of IndyCar has shown that anything can happen on race day, particularly on the challenging and unpredictable St. Petersburg circuit. Fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on these under-the-radar talents.
How to Stay Updated and Engaged
If you want to stay on top of all the action and get the latest news, results, and insights from the IndyCar series, creating or logging into your FOX Sports account is a great way to start. By following your favorite leagues, teams, and drivers, you can receive a personalized newsletter delivered to your inbox daily. This will keep you informed about race schedules, driver profiles, and any breaking news that could impact the upcoming events. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, staying connected through FOX Sports is the best way to experience the excitement of the 2025 IndyCar season from start to finish.
The Thrill and Uncertainty of IndyCar
As the paddock gears up for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the air is thick with anticipation and the engines are set to rev. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, coupled with the unpredictable nature of street circuits, ensures that this season opener will be a spectacle to remember. From the favorites with the best odds to the underdogs with the longest shots, every driver will be pushing their limits to claim the top spot. Whether you’re placing a bet, cheering from the stands, or tuning in from home, the 2025 IndyCar season is poised to deliver heart-pounding racing and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss the start of what promises to be an electrifying year of competition.
