Record-Breaking Numbers for the Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS, IN– The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, was not only a spectacle of speed and skill but also a landmark event in terms of financial reward, as the total prize purse soared to a record-breaking $20,283,000.
This substantial sum marks a significant milestone for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” underscoring the continued growth and prestige of the world-renowned event. For the newly crowned champion, Alex Palou, who captured his career-first victory at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the triumph came with a handsome reward of $3.8 million. This substantial payout for the first-time winner reflects a significant portion of the overall record purse, a fund built through contributions from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT IndyCar Series, and various other special awards.
The distribution of the purse extends throughout the field, with payouts awarded based on finishing position, laps led, and other special achievements, ensuring that participation in the Indy 500 remains a significant financial opportunity for all teams and drivers. The official presentation of the purse awards and the Borg-Warner Trophy to Palou and his team owner Chip Ganassi traditionally occurs at the Victory Celebration, held Monday evening at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. This year’s record numbers will undoubtedly make that celebration even more memorable
Alex Palou spoke with our WISH-TV News gathering partners, reflecting about his win, the emotions that come with it and how reality began to set in after winning the race. “It was overwhelming but amazing at the same time”, he said, adding that he loved kissing the bricks with his family and his team, making it an unforgettable experience. He also mentions being relieved after winning and being able to take a breath, knowing that the hard work paid off.
He also expressed in immense amount of gratitude towards the city, Speedway and the fans.
