2012 IndyCar Series

All chassis are composed of a Dallara DW12 "IndyCar Safety Cell" base and aerokit in 2012. All teams will run Firestone tires.

;Notes

(R) – Rookie

:1.{{note|pantano83}} Charlie Kimball broke his hand in an accident while testing at Mid-Ohio on July 26.{{cite news |date=July 26, 2012 |title=Kimball suffers fractured finger during Mid-Ohio test |url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/07-July/7-26-Mid-Ohio-Kimball |access-date=August 1, 2012 |publisher=IndyCar}} Pantano replaced Kimball for the subsequent race at Mid-Ohio.{{cite news |date=July 31, 2012 |title=Pantano will substitute for the injured Kimball |url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/07-July/7-31-Pantano-to-fill-in-for-Kimball |access-date=August 1, 2012 |publisher=IndyCar}}

:2.{{note|engineswaps}} Team Barracuda – BHA, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Dragon Racing terminated their Lotus engine contracts prior to the Indianapolis 500.

:3.{{note|dragoncars}} Dragon Racing was reduced to a single-car team following the Indianapolis 500, as engine supplier Chevrolet could not supply engines for both cars. Bourdais was named to drive on {{abbr|the remaining road and street courses|Detroit, Toronto, Edmonton, Mid-Ohio, Sonoma and Baltimore}}, and Legge was named to drive on the {{abbr|remaining ovals|Texas, Milwaukee, Iowa and Fontana}}{{cite news |date=May 30, 2012 |title=INDYCAR: Dragon To Split Single Entry For Bourdais And Legge |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-dragon-to-split-single-entry-for-bourdais-and-legge/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601191337/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-dragon-to-split-single-entry-for-bourdais-and-legge/ |archive-date=2012-06-01 |access-date=May 20, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} and Sonoma.

:4.{{note|drralliance}} Dreyer & Reinbold Racing formed a strategic alliance with Panther Racing prior to the Indianapolis 500, and obtained Panther's second Chevrolet engine contract.{{cite news |date=May 7, 2012 |title=Panther, DRR form strategic partnership |url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/05-May/5-7-Panther-Dreyer-form-strategic-partnership |access-date=May 7, 2012 |publisher=IndyCar}}{{Cite web |title=Panther Racing - News - Panther Racing, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Unite, Form Strategic Alliance |url=http://www.pantherracing.com/news/index.cfm?cid=52891 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716005954/http://www.pantherracing.com/news/index.cfm?cid=52891 |archive-date=2012-07-16 |access-date=2012-05-07}}

:5.{{note|bha-saopaulo}} Team Barracuda – BHA skipped the São Paulo race to concentrate on preparations for the Indy 500.

:6.{{note|junqueira67}} Josef Newgarden broke his left index finger in an accident during the Sonoma race. Junqueira replaced Newgarden for the following race at Baltimore.{{cite news |date=August 28, 2012 |title=Junqueira to Substitute for Newgarden in Grand Prix of Baltimore |url=http://sfhracing.com/junqueira-substitute-newgarden-grand-prix-baltimore/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202052904/http://sfhracing.com/junqueira-substitute-newgarden-grand-prix-baltimore/ |archive-date=2013-02-02 |access-date=August 29, 2012 |publisher=Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing}}

• Team Penske: Team utilized full-works Chevrolet engines beginning in 2012 and thus Team Penske earned full-factory support from Chevrolet including free engines and official road vehicles. The entire three car team returns full-time in 2012.{{cite news |last=Lewandowski |first=Dave |date=November 3, 2011 |title=Team Penske trio returns for 2012 |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod--series/50957-team-penske-trio-returns-for-2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |publisher=IndyCar}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} Briscoe will switch numbers from #6 to #2.
• Chip Ganassi Racing: Team utilized Honda engines in 2012.{{cite news |last=Lewandowski |first=Dave |date=May 27, 2011 |title=Ganassi teams align with Honda for 2012 |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43077-indy-notes-ganassi-teams-align-with-honda/ |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=IndyCar Series |publisher=IndyCar}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} The entire four-car team will return in 2012.{{cite news |date=August 23, 2011 |title=INDYCAR: 2012 Season Starting To Take Shape |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-season-starting-to-take-shape/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909091556/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-season-starting-to-take-shape/ |archive-date=2011-09-09 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |publisher=Speed.com}}
• Andretti Autosport: The team utilized customer Chevrolet engines in 2012.{{cite news |date=September 23, 2011 |title=Andretti Autosport and Chevrolet Confirm IndyCar Series Partnership |url=http://andrettiautosport.com/news/?p=893 |access-date=September 23, 2011 |publisher=Andretti Autosport}} Marco Andretti will be in the third year of a 4-year contract with the team in 2012{{cite news |date=December 3, 2009 |title=Venom Energy Drink Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship With Andretti Autosport |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/venom-energy-drink-signs-multi-year-sponsorship-with-andretti-autosport-78440542.html |access-date=December 3, 2009 |work=PR Newswire |publisher=Venom Energy}}{{cite news |date=June 17, 2010 |title=Marco Andretti, the Twitterview |url=http://pressdog.typepad.com/dogblog/2010/06/marco-andretti-the-twitterview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621060416/http://pressdog.typepad.com/dogblog/2010/06/marco-andretti-the-twitterview.html |archive-date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 17, 2010 |work=Pressdog |publisher=Pressdog}} Ryan Hunter-Reay signed with Andretti Autosport through the 2012 season.{{cite news |title=Hunter-Reay stays with Andretti Autosport |url=http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40317-hunter-reay-stays-with-andretti-autosport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102055904/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40317-hunter-reay-stays-with-andretti-autosport/ |archive-date=2010-11-02 |access-date=2010-11-02}} 2011 driver Danica Patrick left the team to compete in the Nationwide series full-time along with limited Sprint Cup Schedule.{{cite news |last=Beer |first=Matt |date=November 30, 2009 |title=Andretti announces new Patrick deal |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80373 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203122437/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80373 |archive-date=December 3, 2009 |access-date=November 30, 2009 |work=autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} The team announced on August 26, 2011, that GoDaddy will return as a primary sponsor through 2013.{{cite news |date=August 26, 2011 |title=New Andretti Era: 3 Generations at Go Daddy |url=http://andrettiautosport.com/news/?p=743 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=andrettiautosport.com |publisher=Andretti Autosport}} Andretti confirmed that Dan Wheldon had signed a deal with Andretti to replace Patrick in the #7 GoDaddy car, but was killed at Las Vegas. James Hinchcliffe drove the GoDaddy car, and the number switched from #7 to #27, the same used by fellow Canadian drivers Gilles Villeneuve and Jacques Villeneuve. The team confirmed Sebastián Saavedra and Ana Beatriz for the Indy 500.{{cite news |date=January 10, 2012 |title=James Hinchcliffe picked to be Danica's Go Daddy successor for |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/indycar/story/2012-01-09/James-Hinchcliffe-picked-to-be-Danica-Patrick-successor/52474740/1 |access-date=January 10, 2012 |publisher=USAToday.com}}
• Newman/Haas Racing: The team announced that it would not contest the full 2012 season on December 1, 2011. Jean Alesi was announced to drive for the team at the Indianapolis 500.{{cite news |date=April 5, 2012 |title=Jean Alesi to contest Indianapolis 500 race with Newman/Haas |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98606 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} The entry was later withdrawn.
• Sam Schmidt Motorsports: The team ran Honda engines in 2012.{{cite news |date=August 5, 2011 |title=Sam Schmidt squad re-ups with Honda for 2012 |url=http://www.racer.com/sam-schmidt-squad-re-ups-with-honda-for-2012/article/209128/ |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Racer |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} The team announced Simon Pagenaud as its first driver on December 8 and that a second full-time car was "likely",{{cite news |last=Pruett |first=Marshall |date=December 6, 2011 |title=Schmidt Continues To Rebound; Eyes Second Car |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-schmidt-continues-to-rebound-eyes-second-car/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107191255/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-schmidt-continues-to-rebound-eyes-second-car |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} but Pagenaud was the team's lone entry to start the season. On May 3, 2012, the team confirmed that Townsend Bell would drive the #99 car for Schmidt Pelfrey Motorsports.{{cite news |title=autoweek.com |url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120503/INDYCAR/120509934 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505150534/http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120503/INDYCAR/120509934 |archive-date=2012-05-05 |access-date=2012-05-04}}
• A. J. Foyt Enterprises: Mike Conway{{cite news |date=December 20, 2011 |title=Foyt Signs Mike Conway |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-foyt-signs-mike-conway/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111010118/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-foyt-signs-mike-conway/ |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} replaces Vítor Meira{{cite news |last=Cavin |first=Curt |date=October 15, 2011 |title=Franchitti, Power will start from 9th row |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20111015/SPORTS0107/110150357/Fighting-traffic |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Karen Crotchfelt; Gannett Company}} as the team driver. The team ran Honda engines in 2012. The team confirmed Wade Cunningham for the Indy 500.{{cite news |last=Lewandowski |first=Dave |date=July 19, 2011 |title=Foyt Racing aligns with Honda for 2012 |url=http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/44097-foyt-team-aligns-with-honda-for-2012/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822072119/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/44097-foyt-team-aligns-with-honda-for-2012/ |archive-date=2011-08-22 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=IndyCar Series |publisher=IndyCar}}
• Panther Racing: J. R. Hildebrand signed a multi-year deal in 2011 to drive the #4 National Guard car for the team.{{cite news |date=December 14, 2010 |title=Panther signs JR Hildebrand to multi-year contract agreement for IZOD IndyCar Series |url=http://www.pantherracing.com/news/index.cfm?cid=40736 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314143952/http://www.pantherracing.com/news/index.cfm?cid=40736 |archive-date=2012-03-14 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Panther Racing |publisher=Panther Racing, Inc.}}
• KV Racing Technology: The team ran Chevrolet engines in 2012. Driver Tony Kanaan signed a multi-year contract to return to the team in 2012. The team confirmed the return of E. J. Viso, switching to the #5 car.{{cite news |date=February 27, 2012 |title=VISO TO CONTEST 2012 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES SEASON FOR KV RACING TECHNOLOGY |url=http://kvracingtechnology.homestead.com/2011/2K11_press_022712.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305041641/http://kvracingtechnology.homestead.com/2011/2K11_press_022712.html |archive-date=2012-03-05 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |publisher=KV Racing Technology}} Rubens Barrichello was confirmed to be driving the full season with the team at a press conference in Brazil on March 1.{{cite news |date=March 1, 2012 |title=BARRICHELLO AND KANAAN TO DRIVE FOR KV RACING TECHNOLOGY DURING THE 2012 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES SEASON |url=http://kvracingtechnology.homestead.com/2011/2K11_press_030112.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304034842/http://kvracingtechnology.homestead.com/2011/2K11_press_030112.html |archive-date=2012-03-04 |access-date=March 1, 2012 |publisher=KV Racing Technology}}{{cite news |date=March 1, 2012 |title=Search |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/motorsports/f1-veteran-barrichello-joins-indycar/article2355009/ |access-date=March 1, 2012 |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto}}
• Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: In November, the team announced that they had signed on as a Lotus works team for 2012. Oriol Servià signed to be one of the team's drivers,{{cite news |date=January 17, 2012 |title=DREYER & REINBOLD RACING SIGNS ORIOL SERVIA FOR 2012 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES SEASON |url=http://drr.f648.net/media-center/news/dreyer-reinbold-racing-signs-oriol-servia-for-2012-izod-indycar-series-season.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130192152/http://drr.f648.net/media-center/news/dreyer-reinbold-racing-signs-oriol-servia-for-2012-izod-indycar-series-season.aspx |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2012 |publisher=Dreyer & Reinbold Racing}} but efforts to field a second entry failed to materialize.
• HVM Racing: Simona de Silvestro returned as a full-time driver for the team in 2012. The team was the anchor team for the new Lotus engines in 2012.{{cite news |last=Cavin |first=Curt |date=October 14, 2011 |title=Patrick leads practice; Franchitti, Power slow |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20111014/SPORTS0107/110140345/Notebook-Patrick-leads-practice-Franchitti-Power-slow |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Karen Crotchfelt; Gannett Company}}
• Dale Coyne Racing: Owner Dale Coyne confirmed that the team would return with two cars in 2012, with Honda engines.{{cite news |date=January 25, 2012 |title=Honda adds Dale Coyne Racing to stable |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51107-honda-adds-dale-coyne-racing-to-stable/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128050204/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51107-honda-adds-dale-coyne-racing-to-stable/ |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |access-date=February 3, 2012 |work=IndyCar Series |publisher=IndyCar |df=mdy-all}} Justin Wilson{{cite news |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Justin Wilson confirms move to Dale Coyne |url=http://www.crash.net/indycar/news/176247/1/justin_wilson_confirms_move_to_dale_coyne.html |access-date=February 3, 2012 |work=Crash.net |publisher=Crash Media Group}} and James Jakes both returned.
• Conquest Racing: While Éric Bachelart stated the team will have at least one full-time car in 2012. Difficulties securing an engine lease and a subsequent American Le Mans Series LMP2 program kept Conquest's IndyCar plans on hold.{{cite news |last=Pruett |first=Marshall |date=February 14, 2012 |title=Conquest Expecting Late Start to Season |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-conquest-expecting-late-start-to-season/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318100450/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-conquest-expecting-late-start-to-season |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |access-date=March 24, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}}
• Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: The team purchased two DW12 chassis.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Miller (journalist) |date=November 2, 2011 |title=New Team For Carpenter; Two Cars For Rahal In 2012 |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-new-team-for-carpenter-two-cars-for-rahal-in-2012/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104120715/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-new-team-for-carpenter-two-cars-for-rahal-in-2012 |archive-date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} The cars were powered by Honda engines.{{cite news |date=November 3, 2011 |title=Rahal Letterman Lanigan To Run Honda Power in 2012 IZOD Indy Car Series |url=http://www.rahal.com/indynews/honda |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |publisher=RLL Racing |location=Hilliard, Ohio}} The team confirmed Takuma Sato as one of their drivers in early February 2012. The team confirmed a second car at the Indy 500,{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Glenn |date=February 3, 2012 |title=Takuma Sato seals Rahal Letterman Lanigan IndyCar drive |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97293 |access-date=February 3, 2012 |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} to be driven by Michel Jourdain Jr.
• Bryan Herta Autosport: The team budgeted money to buy two Dallara DW12 chassis. The team confirmed Alex Tagliani on January 9, 2012.{{cite news |last=O'Leary |first=Jamie |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Alex Tagliani to drive for Bryan Herta Autosport in |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96925 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications}}
• Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing: Driver Ed Carpenter has left to form his own team. 2011 Indy Lights champ Josef Newgarden was the team's driver for 2012.{{cite news |last=Cavin |first=Curt |date=December 7, 2011 |title=Newgarden to join Fishers' IndyCar team |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20111207/SPORTS0107/112070358/1052/SPORTS01 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Karen Crotchfelt; Gannett Company}} The team will be powered by Honda engines. The team confirmed Bryan Clauson for the Indy 500.{{cite news |date=February 24, 2012 |title=INDYCAR: Honda To Provide Fisher With Full Season Supply |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-honda-to-provide-fisher-with-full-season-supply/P2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229190612/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-honda-to-provide-fisher-with-full-season-supply/P2 |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}}
• Dragon Racing: The team intended to run two full-time cars, with drivers Sébastien Bourdais and Katherine Legge.{{cite news |last=Glendenning |first=Mark |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Sebastien Bourdais secures full-time IndyCar return with Dragon Racing |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96983 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} The team will be powered by Lotus engines. Legge has signed a multi-year deal with the team to drive the #6 car.{{cite news |date=January 16, 2012 |title=DTM and Former ChampCar/Atlantics Star Katherine Legge Joins TrueCar Racing Team |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dtm-and-former-champcaratlantics-star-katherine-legge-joins-truecar-racing-team-137411603.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226080829/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dtm-and-former-champcaratlantics-star-katherine-legge-joins-truecar-racing-team-137411603.html |archive-date=26 February 2012 |access-date=January 18, 2012 |work=PR Newswire |publisher=PR Newswire Association LLC |location=Santa Monica, California}} However, after switching from Lotus to Chevrolet engines, they were forced to contract to a single entry after the Indianapolis 500.
• MSR Indy: The team is owned by Mike Shank, A. J. Allmendinger, and Columbus area businessman Brian Bailey. The team was intended to use Lotus engines.{{cite news |date=October 13, 2011 |title=Michael Shank Racing Unveils 2012 Plans |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-michael-shank-racing-unveils-2012-plans/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116014552/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-michael-shank-racing-unveils-2012-plans |archive-date=January 16, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} The team has purchased a DW12 chassis with the goal of running a full-time IndyCar program in 2012, and took delivery of their chassis on December 15.{{cite web |last=Pruett |first=Marshall |date=September 17, 2011 |title=INDYCAR: Michael Shank Racing Set For 2012 Debut |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-michael-shank-racing-set-for-2012-debut/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224154622/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-michael-shank-racing-set-for-2012-debut |archive-date=December 24, 2011 |access-date=September 17, 2011 |work=Speed.com |publisher=Speed TV}} Unfortunately, the team did not secure the necessary funding to begin the season with often rumored, but never confirmed, driver Paul Tracy. The team originally confirmed Jay Howard for the Indy 500,{{cite news |last=Pruett |first=Marshall |date=January 29, 2012 |title=Tracy Closing In On Michael Shank Deal |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-tracy-closing-in-on-michael-shank-deal/ |access-date=March 24, 2012 |work=speedtv.com |publisher=Speed}} but Shank released Howard in early May due to the inability to get an engine.{{cite news |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Michael Shank Racing releases Jay Howard from Indy 500 deal |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/indycar/story/2012-05-02/jay-howard-released-michael-shank-racing-indy-500/54710338/1 |access-date=May 10, 2012 |publisher=Associated Press}}
• Ed Carpenter Racing: Driver Ed Carpenter and his stepfather Tony George formed a new team, Ed Carpenter Racing. Carpenter was the full-time driver in 2012. The team confirmed a second car for the Indy 500, but the entry was later withdrawn.{{cite news |date=November 2, 2011 |title=Carpenter forms own team backed by Fuzzy's |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50954-carpenter-forms-own-team-backed-by-fuzzyand-39-s/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104143535/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50954-carpenter-forms-own-team-backed-by-fuzzyand-39-s/ |archive-date=2011-11-04 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |work=IndyCar Series |publisher=IndyCar}}

File:Briscoe 2012 Indianapolis 500 qualification.jpg

The 2012 season saw the implementation of IndyCar's new ICONIC Plan (Innovative, Competitive, Open-wheel, New, Industry-relevant, Cost-effective), the biggest change to the sport in recent history. The car used through 2011, a 2003/2007-model Dallara IR-03, and normally aspirated V8 engines (required since 1997) were permanently retired. The ICONIC committee was composed of experts and executives from racing and technical fields: Randy Bernard, William R. Looney III, Brian Barnhart, Gil de Ferran, Tony Purnell, Eddie Gossage, Neil Ressler, Tony Cotman and Rick Long.{{cite news|url=http://indycar.com/tech/content/38538/ |title=Technology ICONIC Advisory Committee |publisher=IndyCar.com |access-date=February 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125011130/http://indycar.com/tech/content/38538/ |archive-date=November 25, 2010 }} IndyCar accepted proposals from BAT Engineering, Dallara, DeltaWing, Lola and Swift for chassis design. On July 14, 2010, the final decision was made public, with organisers accepting the Dallara proposal.

Under the new ICONIC regulations, all teams will compete with a core rolling chassis, called the "IndyCar Safety Cell",{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/38526-2012-car-strategy-embraces-innovation/ |title=2012 car strategy embraces innovation |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=July 14, 2010 |access-date=February 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713030454/http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/38526-series-embraces-innovation-for-2012/ |archive-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=dead }} developed by Italian designer Dallara. Teams will then outfit the chassis with separate body work, referred to as "Aero Kits", which consist of front and rear wings, sidepods, and engine cowlings. Development of Aero Kits is open to any manufacturer, with all packages to be made available to all teams for a maximum price. ICONIC committee member Tony Purnell gave an open invitation to car manufacturers and companies such as Lockheed Martin and GE to develop kits.{{cite news| url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85270 |title=Purnell challenges future constructors |publisher=autosport.com | date=July 14, 2010}}

The IndyCar Safety cell will be capped at a price of $349,000{{cite news |url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100714/IRL/100719942 |title=Dallara named IndyCar chassis supplier for 2012 |publisher=AutoWeek.com |date=July 15, 2010 |access-date=February 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012203030/http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100714/IRL/100719942 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead }} and will be assembled at a new Dallara facility in Speedway, Indiana. Aero Kits will be capped at $70,000. Teams have the option of buying a complete Dallara safety cell/aero kit for a discounted price.

On May 12, 2011, Dallara unveiled the first concept cars, one apiece in oval and road course Aero Kit configuration.{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/42703-divergent-2012-car-concepts-match-schedule/ |title=Divergent 2012 car concepts match schedule |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514055129/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/42703-divergent-2012-car-concepts-match-schedule/ |archive-date=2011-05-14 |url-status=dead }}

On April 30, 2011, IndyCar owners voted 15–0 to reject the introduction of multiple Aero Kits for the 2012 season, citing costs.{{cite news |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-owners-reject-aero-kits-for-2012/ |title=INDYCAR: Owners Reject Aero Kits For 2012 |publisher=SpeedTV.com |date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505034818/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-owners-reject-aero-kits-for-2012/ |archive-date=2011-05-05 |url-status=dead }} Owners expressed their desire to introduce the new chassis/engines for 2012, but have all participants use the Dallara aerodynamic package in 2012, and delay the introduction of multiple aero kits until 2013. On August 14, 2011, IndyCar confirmed that the introduction of multiple Aero Kits would be delayed until 2013 for "economic reasons,"{{cite web|last=Lewandowski |first=Dave |title=Alternative aero kits postponed until 2013 |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/44620-alternative-aero-kits-postponed-until-2013/ |work=IndyCar.com |access-date=August 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928190218/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/44620-alternative-aero-kits-postponed-until-2013/ |archive-date=September 28, 2012 |url-status=dead }} and furthermore, it was put off for 2013 as well. Chevrolet and Lotus had already announced their intention to build aero kits.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/racing/more/11/17/lotus.indycar/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121084538/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/racing/more/11/17/lotus.indycar/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |title=Lotus to manufacture engines for IndyCar Series beginning in 2012 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101117/IRL/101119867 |title=IndyCar: Lotus to badge engines in 2012, will compete against Honda and Chevy |publisher=AutoWeek |date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011}}

2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon carried out the first official test of the Dallara chassis at Mid-Ohio in August 2011.O'Leary, Jamie. [http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93693 2012 Dallara makes test debut], Autosport, August 8, 2011, Retrieved 2011-12-07 Following Wheldon's death at the season-ending race in Las Vegas, Dallara announced that the 2012 chassis would be named the DW12 in his honor.Lewandowski, Dave. [http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50915-test-pilot/ Test pilot] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020011046/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50915-test-pilot/ |date=2011-10-20 }}, IndyCar, October 17, 2011, Retrieved 2011-12-07Lostia, Michele and Pablo Elizalde. [http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95685 2012 Dallara to be called DW12], Autosport, October 26, 2011, Retrieved 2011-12-07

Despite the generational change of chassis and engines, the wheel rim and Firestone Firehawk tire sizes would remain same until at least 2024 season.

The fuel cell capacity of the new Dallara DW12 car was reduced from {{Convert|22|usgal|L|0|lk=on|abbr=off}} to {{Convert|18.5|usgal|L|0|lk=on|abbr=off}} in an effort of fuel efficiency.

{{main|IndyCar Series#Third generation (2012–present)}}

Turbochargers returned to the IndyCar Series for the first time since the IRL 1996 and Champ Car 2007 seasons respectively after one-year delay. The newly-revolutionary third generation fuel-efficient engines are single and twin-turbocharged engines, tuned to produce a range of {{convert|550|-|700|hp}} with a 12,000 RPM limit.{{cite web|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|title=INDYCAR: Inside The 2012 Dallara|url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-inside-the-2012-dallara/P2/|publisher=Speed TV|access-date=August 17, 2011|page=2|date=August 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219173921/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-inside-the-2012-dallara/P2|archive-date=December 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|title=INDYCAR: Greater Relevance with Smaller 2012 Engines|url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-pruett-greater-relevance-with-smaller-2012-engines/P1/|work=SpeedTV.com|access-date=April 8, 2011|date=January 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314135113/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-pruett-greater-relevance-with-smaller-2012-engines/P1/|archive-date=March 14, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-rules-announced/ |title=INDYCAR: 2012 Engine Rules Announced |publisher=SPEED |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716115809/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-rules-announced/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The maximum engine displacement was reduced from {{Convert|3.5|to|2.2|L|cuin|0|lk=on|abbr=off}}, the number of cylinders were scaled-down from eight to six and the engine shape will remain V-shaped. All engines will run E85 fuel; from 2007 to 2011, the series utilized 100% fuel grade ethanol.{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40525-manufacturer-competition-blooms-with-lotus/ |title=Manufacturer competition blooms with Lotus |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=November 18, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122081052/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40525-manufacturer-competition-blooms-with-lotus/ |archive-date=2010-11-22 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Cavin |first=Curt |title=IndyCar unveils new chassis for 2012 |url=http://www.indy.com/posts/indycar-come-one-come-all |work=Indy.com |publisher=Star Media |access-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203204235/http://www.indy.com/posts/indycar-come-one-come-all |archive-date=December 3, 2012 |date=July 15, 2010 |url-status=live }}

The turbochargers are provided by BorgWarner. The third generation of IndyCar Series engines will be used until 2026 season.

On November 12, 2010, Chevrolet was confirmed as an engine supplier for 2012 with a twin turbo V6. The initial list of potential suppliers included Ford, Cosworth, and Mazda.{{cite news |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-has-manufacturers-listening/ |title=INDYCAR: 2012 Engine Has Manufacturers Listening |publisher=SPEED |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129091153/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-has-manufacturers-listening |archive-date=2010-11-29 |url-status=dead }} Honda announced a 2.2-liter turbo V6 developed fully by Honda Performance Development.{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/38996-honda-adopts-new-engine-formula-for-2012/ |title=Honda adopts new engine formula for 2012 |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=August 7, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127003616/http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/38996-honda-adopts-new-engine-formula-for-2012/ |archive-date=2010-11-27 |url-status=dead }} On May 27, 2011, Ganassi and Honda announced their partnership renewal for 2012.{{cite web |title=INDYCAR: Ganassi Goes With Honda For 2012 |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-ganassi-goes-with-honda-for-2012 |work=Press release |publisher=SpeedTV.com |access-date=June 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530221010/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-ganassi-goes-with-honda-for-2012/ |archive-date=May 30, 2011 |url-status=dead }} On August 19, 2010, Cosworth announced their interest in providing an inline-four engine,{{cite news |url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-marshall-pruett-cosworth-2012-qa |title=INDYCAR: Cosworth 2012 Q&A |publisher=SPEED |date=August 19, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123015606/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-marshall-pruett-cosworth-2012-qa |archive-date=2010-11-23 |url-status=dead }} however, the plan was eventually scrapped. The Chevrolet engine is built in a joint effort with Ilmor who last time partnered Chevrolet in 1997–2002 (1997–2001 as Oldsmobile) and Honda in 2003–2011, and was introduced in full-works partnership with Penske Racing.{{cite news |url=http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/opinion/economaki-chevrolet-to-make-welcomed-indycar-return/ |title=ECONOMAKI: Chevrolet To Make Welcomed IndyCar Return |publisher=National Speed Sport News |date=November 16, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40431-chevrolet-revs-up-new-engine-for-2012-car/ |title=Chevrolet revs up new engine for 2012 car |publisher=IndyCar.com |date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317041126/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40431-chevrolet-revs-up-new-engine-for-2012-car/ |archive-date=March 17, 2011 }}

The third engine supplier was announced November 18, 2010 at the LA Auto Show, just prior to the league deadline. Lotus announced a twin turbo V6 enginePruett, Marshall. [http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-testing-plans-revealed/ 2012 Engine Testing Plans Revealed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314135829/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-2012-engine-testing-plans-revealed/ |date=2012-03-14 }}, Speed, August 2, 2011, Retrieved 2011-12-07 and an Aero Kit. built in a partnership with John Judd and Jack Brabham (Engine Developments Ltd.) Judd engines were used in the CART series and at the Indy 500 from 1987 to 1992, as well as in sports car racing and F1. Lotus has suffered difficulty in both power and delivery of engines and has since pulled out of the sport.

• Chevrolet
• Honda
• Lotus

The arrival of Chevrolet and Lotus as IndyCar Series engine suppliers were marked the return of multiple engine suppliers since 2005 season when Chevrolet and Toyota were Honda engine competitors.

• Any engine changes for an engine that has run less than 1,850 miles will result in 10-place grid penalty at the next race. Further, full-time entries are limited to 5 engines per season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/07-July/7-2-Where-engines-stack-up|title=Engine count for 6 races: How the entries stack up|accessdate=25 June 2023}} There will be two exceptions:
• If an engine fails during a race, in which a new engine may be installed for the next event without penalty.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/April/4-11-Two-cars-to-incur-grid-penalties |title = Two entries to incur penalty at Long Beach |access-date=2012-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413222541/http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/April/4-11-Two-cars-to-incur-grid-penalties |archive-date=2012-04-13 |url-status=dead }}
• At Indianapolis, all engine penalties will be served at the next race at Detroit. Further, all full-time season entries will receive a new engine penalty-free between Bump Day & Carb Day.{{Cite web |url=http://www.crash.net/indycar/news/178980/1/no_engine_grid_penalties_during_indy_500.html |title=No engine grid penalties during Indy 500 | Page 1 | IndyCar News | Apr 2012 | Crash.Net |access-date=2012-06-09 |archive-date=2012-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504044145/http://www.crash.net/indycar/news/178980/1/no_engine_grid_penalties_during_indy_500.html |url-status=dead }}
• Beginning at Long Beach for all remaining road/street course events, the pits will remain open throughout non-emergency full-course cautions periods. Previously the pits immediately closed upon the display of the caution flag. The series hopes this will shorten caution periods to as few as two laps.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/April/4-09-Pits-open-during-full-course-cautions |title = Pits are open for business on full-course cautions |access-date=2012-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413162749/http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/April/4-09-Pits-open-during-full-course-cautions |archive-date=2012-04-13 |url-status=dead }}
• Also beginning at Long Beach for all remaining road/street course events, cars that are not on the lead lap during an upcoming restart in the final 20 laps will peel off and drive through pit lane on the speed limiter and cycle back to the end of the line. The rule was later expanded to oval races as well, where lead-lap cars will simply drive to the front in position order instead. This is similar to NASCAR's restart procedure, where all lapped cars must move to the rear of the field.
• For the races at Indianapolis, Texas, and California, restarts will revert to single-file in response to safety concerns.{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/news/20120214/indycar-double-file-restarts/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219033749/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/news/20120214/indycar-double-file-restarts/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 19, 2012 | work=CNN | title=IndyCar eliminates double-file restarts at 3 ovals | date=February 14, 2012}}

The 2012 schedule included the following 15 races:

{{color box|transparent|O|border=silver}} Oval/Speedway

{{color box|lightblue|R|border=silver}} Road course

{{Color box|peachpuff|S|border=silver}} Street circuit

• The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will continue through 2013.{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=10903 |title=Event Extension |publisher=indycar.com |date=April 6, 2008 |access-date=April 6, 2008}} City officials look to extend the contract through 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/article989967.ece |title=Grand Prix is a winner for St. Petersburg |publisher=indycar.com |date=April 6, 2009 |access-date=April 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408093719/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/article989967.ece |archive-date=2009-04-08 |url-status=dead }}
• Barber Motorsports Park signed a three-year deal through 2012.{{cite news |url=http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/07/indy_car_race_coming_to_barber.html |title=Indy Car race coming to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama |publisher=al.com |date=July 26, 2009 |access-date=July 26, 2009}}
• An agreement has been signed with the city of Long Beach to extend the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach to 2015 with an option through 2020.{{cite news | last = Oreovicz | first = John | title = Champ Car finale signals new start for Long Beach Grand Prix | work = ESPN | date = April 16, 2008 | url = https://www.espn.com/racing/racing/indycar/columns/story?columnist=oreovicz_john&id=3349425 | access-date = July 27, 2009}}
• The São Paulo Indy 300 has a contract through 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2010-03-12-indycar-invades-brazil_N.htm?csp=34sports |title=Brazil and its drivers pumped as IndyCar invades Sao Paulo |publisher=usatoday.com |date=March 12, 2010 |access-date=March 15, 2010 |first1=Curt |last1=Cavin}}
• The Honda Indy Toronto has renewed its contracts through 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.hondaindytoronto.com/more-news-a-announcements/37-latest-news/247-honda-indy-toronto-renews-important-contracts-secures-core-features-of-the-event-through-to-2014 |title=Honda Indy Toronto renews important contracts, secures core features of the event through to 2014 |publisher=Honda Indy Toronto |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043737/http://www.hondaindytoronto.com/more-news-a-announcements/37-latest-news/247-honda-indy-toronto-renews-important-contracts-secures-core-features-of-the-event-through-to-2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
• The Edmonton Indy has a contract in place through 2013.{{cite news |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/indy-race-stays-in-edmonton.aspx |title=Indy Race Stays in Edmonton |publisher=City of Edmonton |date=January 11, 2011 |access-date=September 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501110727/http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/indy-race-stays-in-edmonton.aspx |archive-date=2012-05-01 |url-status=dead }}
• The contract for the Baltimore Grand Prix runs through 2015. However, an issue with the promoter has been in dispute and a new promoter was scheduled to be announced in mid-February.{{cite news |url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/37846-series-roars-into-baltimore-in-2011/ |title=Series roars into Baltimore in 2011 |publisher=indycar.com |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605020355/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/37846-series-roars-into-baltimore-in-2011/ |archive-date=2010-06-05 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2010/06/01/details-of-baltimore-grand-prix-expected-wednesday/ |title=Details of Baltimore Grand Prix expected Wednesday |publisher=baltimoresun.com |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100607103819/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-06-01/news/bs-ci-baltimore-indy-race-20100601_1_baltimore-racing-development-baltimore-grand-prix-race| archive-date= June 7, 2010 | url-status= live}} In May 2012, it was announced that Race On LLP and Andretti Sports Marketing had reached a five-year agreement with the City of Baltimore.{{cite news |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/race_on_in_baltimore_if_gp_deal_approved/ |title=Race On in Baltimore after new GP deal |publisher=SportsPro Media |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012}}
• Michael Andretti has been announced as the new promoter of the Milwaukee 225. The race, not originally on the INDYCAR schedule, was announced February 10,{{Cite web|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120211/SPORTS0107/202110335/Andretti-help-IndyCar-revive-Milwaukee-race?odyssey=nav%7Chead|title=Andretti Helps IndyCar Revive Milwaukee|accessdate=25 June 2023}} and is now known as the Milwaukee IndyFest.

• Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix returns to the schedule for 2012, having been removed after the 2008 event.{{cite news |last=Fleming |first=Leonard N. |title=It's official: Grand Prix on way to Belle Isle |url=http://www.detnews.com/article/20111012/METRO/110120424/1361/update/It+s+official++Grand+Prix+on+way+to+Belle+Isle |access-date=October 12, 2011 |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20111012202234/http://www.detnews.com/article/20111012/METRO/110120424/1361/update/It+s+official++Grand+Prix+on+way+to+Belle+Isle |archive-date=2011-10-12 |url-status=dead }}
• The series will return to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California for a 500-mile night race on Saturday, September 15, 2012.{{cite web|last=Lewandowski|first=Dave|title=Series returning to Fontana in 2012|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43814-series-returning-to-fontana-in-2012/|work=IndyCar.com|access-date=September 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706044915/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43814-series-returning-to-fontana-in-2012/|archive-date=2011-07-06|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Mark 2012 calendar for Sept. 15|url=http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/46099-mark-2012-calendar-for-sept-15/|work=IndyCar.com|access-date=September 6, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

• A fifteen-race calendar was announced in December 2011; however, amid speculation of a race being organized in Fort Lauderdale, it was reported in January 2012 that the series needed sixteen races in order to fulfill obligations to sponsors.{{cite news|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120106/SPORTS0107/201060322/IndyCar-season-may-conclude-Fort-Lauderdale|title=IndyCar season may conclude in Fort Lauderdale|work=The Indianapolis Star|publisher=Karen Crotchfelt; Gannett Company|date=January 6, 2012|access-date=January 12, 2012|first=Curt|last=Cavin}}
• After the cancellation of the China race, it was believed that IndyCar would need to replace it to fulfill sponsorship obligations. Road America, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Michigan, and a second race at Texas were considered.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120614/SPORTS0107/206140355/Izod-IndyCar-Series-notebook-Series-seeks-another-race-get-16?odyssey=mod |title=Indy Star |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924061414/http://www.indystar.com/article/20120614/SPORTS0107/206140355/Izod-IndyCar-Series-notebook-Series-seeks-another-race-get-16?odyssey=mod |url-status=dead }} However, on June 25, IndyCar announced that the schedule would remain at 15 races.

• The series did not return to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/autoracing/blog/2011/10/indycar_series.html|title=IndyCar Series not returning to New Hampshire in 2012|first=Michael|last=Vega|date=October 14, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012|work=Boston.com|publisher=The Boston Globe}}
• The Indy Japan 300 did not return in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41218-sayonara-twin-ring-motegi|title=Sayonara, Twin Ring Motegi|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|date=February 9, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012|work=IndyCar Series|publisher=IndyCar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222014056/http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41218-sayonara-twin-ring-motegi/|archive-date=December 22, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• The series did not return to the Kentucky Speedway after IndyCar failed to reach an agreement with the track.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.courier-journal.com/motorsports/2011/10/13/2012-no-indy-cars-at-kentucky-speedway/|title=No Indy Cars at Kentucky Speedway|first1=Craig|last1=Hoffman|first2=Scott|last2=Douglass|date=October 13, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012|work=The Courier-Journal|publisher=Arnold Garson; Gannett Company|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604024918/http://blogs.courier-journal.com/motorsports/2011/10/13/2012-no-indy-cars-at-kentucky-speedway/|archive-date=2012-06-04|url-status=dead}}
• Las Vegas Motor Speedway was removed from the calendar in the aftermath of Dan Wheldon's death.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/indycar/story/_/id/7332648/indycar-series-race-las-vegas-2012-following-dan-wheldon-death|title=IndyCar Won't Race Las Vegas in '12|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 8, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012}}

• The series was supposed to visit China for the first time; the Indy Qingdao 600 was to be held on a 3.87-mile street circuit in Qingdao over the weekend of August 19,{{cite web|last=Konrath|first=Amy|title=IZOD IndyCar Series Announces First-Ever China Race|url=http://www.whowon.com/sResults.asp?SanctionID=215&StoryID=318227|work=WhoWon.com|access-date=November 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612112110/http://www.whowon.com/sResults.asp?SanctionID=215&StoryID=318227|archive-date=June 12, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} with plans to build a permanent road course for future seasons.{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/indycar/story/2011-11-10/IndyCar-will-race-on-street-circuit-in-China-in-2012/51156810/1 | work=USA Today | title=Most Popular E-mail Newsletter | date=November 10, 2011}} However, this race was cancelled by the promoter on June 13.

The first official test of the Dallara DW12 chassis was carried out by Dan Wheldon at Mid-Ohio on August 8, 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/44480-on-track-for-new-era-in-2012/|title=On track for new era in 2012|publisher=IndyCar.com|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Phase I of testing involved Wheldon, and was planned to involve three road courses and three ovals, over a total of about twelve days. The second test was held August 18 at Barber,{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/45770-new-car-test-at-barber//|title=New car test at Barber|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=August 19, 2011|access-date=January 1, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and the third was held on the USGP road course at Indianapolis on September 1.{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/46041-notes-new-car-passes-biggest-test-yet/|title=Notes: New car passes biggest test yet|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=September 3, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Oval tests took place in September at Iowa{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50814-around-and-around/|title=Around and around|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=September 22, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and Indianapolis.{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50834-indy-test-will-complete-validation-phase/|title=Indy test will complete validation Phase|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=September 27, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Honda (Scott Dixon) and Chevrolet (Will Power) began Phase II of on-track testing at Mid-Ohio in early October.{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50864-on-to-phase-2-for-2012/|title=On to Phase 2 for 2012|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=October 4, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} A scheduled test at Las Vegas was cancelled after the fatal crash of Dan Wheldon. Testing resumed in late October and continued through February at several venues including Sebring,{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/50943-manufacturer-program-pushes-forward/|title=Manufacturer program pushes forward|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=October 27, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Fontana,{{cite news

|url = http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51000-2012-car-oval-test-in-the-west/

|title = 2012 car oval test in the West

|publisher = IndyCar.com

|date = November 29, 2011

|first = Dave

|last = Lewandowski

|access-date = January 17, 2012

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120303235042/http://indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51000-2012-car-oval-test-in-the-west/

|archive-date = 2012-03-03

|url-status = dead

}} Homestead,{{cite news|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51033-manufacturers-work-through-their-programs/|title=Manufacturers work through their programs|publisher=IndyCar.com|date=December 13, 2011|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|access-date=January 17, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Phoenix,{{cite news

|url = http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51191-and-39-yeahsand-39-have-it-for-pir-return/

|title = 'Yeahs' have it for PIR return

|publisher = IndyCar.com

|first = Dave

|last = Lewandowski

|date = February 23, 2012

|access-date = February 27, 2012

|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120301014524/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51191-and-39-yeahsand-39-have-it-for-pir-return/

|archive-date = 2012-03-01

|url-status = dead

}} and Sonoma.{{cite news

|url = http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51198-chevy-test-day-at-infineon-draws-a-crowd/

|title = Chevy test day at Infineon draws a crowd

|publisher = IndyCar.com

|first = Dave

|last = Lewandowski

|date = February 25, 2012

|access-date = February 27, 2012

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120229222711/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51198-chevy-test-day-at-infineon-draws-a-crowd/

|archive-date = 2012-02-29

|url-status = dead

}} Lotus first took to the track on January 12 at Palm Beach,{{cite news|url=http://www.racer.com/hvm-lotus-begin-testing-at-palm-beach/article/223172/|title=HVM, Lotus begin testing at Palm Beach|work=Racer|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=January 13, 2012|access-date=January 24, 2012}} and testing by individual teams began on January 16.{{cite news|url=http://www.racer.com/indycar-testing-priorities-intensify-on-sebring-day-one/article/223395/|title=IndyCar testing priorities intensify on Sebring day one|work=Racer|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=January 16, 2012|access-date=January 24, 2012|first=Tony|last=DiZinno}}

A full-field official open test took place on March 5–6 & 8–9, 2012 at Sebring International Raceway.{{cite news

|url = http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51086-open-test-scheduled-by-groups/

|title = Open Test scheduled by groups

|publisher = IndyCar.com

|date = January 16, 2012

|access-date = January 17, 2012

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120117235002/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51086-open-test-scheduled-by-groups/

|archive-date = 2012-01-17

|url-status = dead

}}

Full-field oval open tests are scheduled for April 4, 2012 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway{{cite web|url=http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-series-sets-indianapolis-test-date/ |title = INDYCAR: Series Sets Indianapolis Test Date |access-date=2012-04-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330233625/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-series-sets-indianapolis-test-date |archive-date=2012-03-30 }} and for May 7, 2012 at Texas Motor Speedway.{{cite web|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51213-indycar-moves-texas-open-test-to-may/ |title = INDYCAR moves Texas Open Test to May - IndyCar.com |access-date=2012-03-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305201338/http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/51213-indycar-moves-texas-open-test-to-may/ |archive-date=2012-03-05 }}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg= |bg2= |titlestyle= color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed |title=Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

|1stsp=5|1stno=3|1stbg=|1stfont=|1stname={{flagicon|BRA}} Hélio Castroneves|1stteam=Team Penske|1stlaps=100|1sttime=1:59:50.9863

|2ndsp=6 |2ndno=9 |2ndbg= |2ndfont= |2ndname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon |2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing |2ndlaps=100|2ndmargin= +5.5292

|3rdsp=3|3rdno=28|3rdbg=|3rdfont=|3rdname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay |3rdteam=Andretti Autosport|3rdlaps=100|3rdmargin= +7.5824

|avespeed= 90.113 |officialreport= [http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/2012_Honda_Grand_Prix_of_St__Petersburg_Box_Score.pdf Report] |date=Sunday March 25, 2012|time=12:30 p.m. EDT |wikiracearticle=Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg |track=Streets of St. Petersburg |city=St. Petersburg, Florida|tracktype=Temporary street circuit

|onelapmi=1.8 |laps= 100|miles= 180|weather={{convert|77|F|C}}, partly cloudy |pole=#12 Will Power, 1:01.3721 sec, {{convert|105.585|mph|kph|abbr=on}} |attendance=125,000 (4-day weekend attendance){{Cite web |url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_20354397/indycar-series-plans-exit-strategy-d-after-danica |title = IndyCar Series plans exit strategy A.D. ... after Danica - LA Daily News |website=Los Angeles Daily News |access-date=2012-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411164943/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_20354397/indycar-series-plans-exit-strategy-d-after-danica |archive-date=2012-04-11 |url-status=dead }}

|wikireport=2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

|textsummary=Hélio Castroneves won the season-opening event,{{cite news

|url= http://indycar.com/News/2012/March/3-25-IICS-race-story.aspx

|title= Castroneves starts year with exuberant victory|publisher= IndyCar.com|first=Dave|last=Lewandowski|date=March 25, 2012

|access-date= March 26, 2012}}{{cite news|url= https://www.espn.com/racing/indycar/story/_/id/7735018/helio-castroneves-uses-bold-pass-net-st-pete-win|title= Helio Castroneves wins opener|publisher=ESPN|date=March 25, 2012

|access-date= March 26, 2012}} snapping a winless streak that dates back to Motegi in 2010. It was the first race for the new Dallara DW-12 chassis, and the new turbocharged engine package. Castroneves' victory marked the first win by Chevrolet in the IndyCar Series since 2005. It also marked the first race since the fatal accident of Dan Wheldon.

Will Power took the lead from the pole position at the start, but during the first yellow, he ducked into the pits in order to gamble on a fuel strategy. The strategy backfired, and Power was not a factor during the remainder of the race.

During the final sequence of pit stops, Castroneves and Scott Dixon were running 1st–2nd. Dixon pitted first on lap 72, and Castroneves pitted on lap later. As the rest of the leaders shuffled through their final pits stops, Castroneves made a bold pass of Dixon on the outside of turn 1 for second place. After the sequence of pit stops was over, Castroneves led the final 26 laps to claim the victory.

On his victory lap, Castroneves stopped in turn 10, climbed from his car, and performed his customary "Spider-Man" celebration, climbing the catch fence. He climbed the fence which displayed the street sign "Dan Wheldon Way," which had been designated days earlier by the city of St. Petersburg in the memory of Wheldon.{{cite news

|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/street-in-st-petersburg-named-for-dan-wheldon/

|title=Street in St. Petersburg named for Dan Wheldon

|publisher=Fox News

|work=AP

|date=March 7, 2012

|access-date=March 26, 2012}}

|leadchanges=9 between 7 drivers

|leaders=1–11: #12 Power

• 12–20: #2 Briscoe
• 21–36: #9 Dixon
• 37–46: #15 Sato
• 47: #10 Franchitti
• 48–68: #9 Dixon
• 69–70: #3 Castroneves
• 71: #15 Sato
• 72–74: #4 Hildebrand
• 75–100: #3 Castroneves

|yellows=3 for 15 laps

|cautions=13–16: #6 Legge stalled on frontstretch

• 20–27: #19 Jakes contact in turn 10
• 46–48: #3 Castroneves & #20 Carpenter contact in turn 14

|tvnetwork=ABC

|booth=Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear

|pits=Jamie Little, Vince Welch, and Rick DeBruhl

|ratings= 1.1 (overnight),{{cite news

|url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/03/tv-ratings-600k-watch-espns-first-take-special-also-indycar-on-abc-local-ncaa-ratings/

|title=TV Ratings: 600K Watch ESPN's 'First Take' Special (Also: IndyCar on ABC, Local NCAA Ratings)

|publisher=Sports Media Watch

|date=March 26, 2012

|access-date=March 28, 2012}} 0.9 (final),{{cite news

|url=http://pressdog.typepad.com/dogblog/2012/03/final-tv-rating-for-indycar-st-pete-slides-to-09.html

|title=Final TV Rating for IndyCar St. Pete Slides to 0.9|publisher=Pressdog.com|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012}} 1.279 million viewers{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/04/tv-ratings-indycar-opener-down-25-on-abc-also-div-ii-hoops-nba-on-espn/|title = TV Ratings: IndyCar Opener Down 25% on ABC (Also: Div. II Hoops, NBA on ESPN)|date = 4 April 2012}}

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

|1stsp=9

|1stno=12

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power

|1stteam=Team Penske

|1stlaps=90

|1sttime=2:01:40.1127

|2ndsp=3

|2ndno=9

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon

|2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|2ndlaps=90

|2ndmargin=+3.3709

|3rdsp=1

|3rdno=3

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|BRA}} Hélio Castroneves

|3rdteam=Team Penske

|3rdlaps=90

|3rdmargin=+19.1150

|avespeed=102.081

|officialreport=[http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/Official_Honda_Indy_GP_of_Alabama_Box_Score.pdf Report]

|date=Sunday April 1, 2012

|time=2:00 p.m. EDT (1 p.m. CDT)

|wikiracearticle= Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

|track=Barber Motorsports Park

|city=Birmingham, Alabama

|tracktype=Road course

|onelapmi=2.300

|laps=90

|miles=207.000

|weather={{convert|82|F|C}}, partly cloudy

|pole=#3 Hélio Castroneves, 1:10.4768 sec, {{convert|117.485|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance=52,879 (race day), 81,378 (weekend){{Cite web|url=http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/April/4-1-Barber-extension-in-the-bag.aspx|title = Successful Barber event is Birmingham's 'Derby'}}

|wikireport=2012 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

|textsummary=Scott Dixon led 38 laps and was leading on lap 66 when he made his final pit stop. A slow pit stop caused by trouble on the left rear tire, as well as traffic in the pit lane, allowed Will Power to pass him going into turn one. After all the leaders shuffled through their pit stops, Power took the lead, and held off Dixon over the final laps to win.

|leadchanges=9 between 5 drivers

|leaders=1–24: #3 Castroneves

• 25: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 26: #38 Rahal
• 27–47: #9 Dixon
• 48–49: #3 Castroneves
• 50–65: #9 Dixon
• 66–67: #3 Castroneves
• 68–73: #12 Power
• 74: #9 Dixon
• 75–90: #12 Power

|yellows=2 for 10 laps

|cautions=1–3: #98 Tagliani stalled in turn 4

• 67–73: #6 Legge spun in turn 9

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings=0.25 (final), 218,000 households [https://www.foxnews.com/sports/indycar-suffering-through-slumping-tv-ratings/]

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=38th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

|1stsp=12

|1stno=12

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power

|1stteam=Team Penske

|1stlaps=85

|1sttime=1:54:01.6082

|2ndsp=4

|2ndno=77

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|FRA}} Simon Pagenaud {{color box|orange|R|border=silver}}

|2ndteam=Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports

|2ndlaps=85

|2ndmargin=+0.8675

|3rdsp=16

|3rdno=27

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|CAN}} James Hinchcliffe

|3rdteam=Andretti Autosport

|3rdlaps=85

|3rdmargin= +13.2719

|avespeed=88.021

|officialreport=[http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/Official_Toyota_Grand_Prix_of_Long_Beach_Box_Score.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday April 15, 2012

|time=3:30 p.m. EDT (12:30 p.m. PDT)

|wikiracearticle= Grand Prix of Long Beach

|track=Streets of Long Beach

|city=Long Beach, California

|tracktype=Temporary street circuit

|onelapmi=1.968

|laps=85

|miles=167.280

|weather={{convert|61|F|C}}, partly cloudy

|pole=#2 Ryan Briscoe, 1:08.6089 sec, {{convert|103.264|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance= 170,000 (3-day weekend attendance)[http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_20404509/long-beach-grand-prix-fans-get-taste-thrills]

|wikireport=2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

|textsummary=Just days prior to the race, Chevrolet announced that all eleven of their entries would change engines, in violation of IndyCar's 1,850 mileage requirement rule.[http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/April/4-12-Chevrolet-to-change-11-engines] As a penalty, all of the Chevrolet entries would incur a 10-position grid penalty after time trials. In qualifying Chevrolet cars swept the top three spots, and 5 of the top 6. However, after the penalties were assessed, Honda driver Dario Franchitti was elevated to the pole.

At the start, Dario Franchitti and rookie Josef Newgarden battled into turn one. Newgarden tried to take the lead on the outside, but the two cars clipped slightly, and Newgarden smacked the tire barrier and crashed out of the race. Franchitti took the lead for the first four laps, but quickly faded with handling problems, and was not a factor in the remainder of the race.

Late in the second half, the race became a contest between rookie Simon Pagenaud and Will Power, with Takuma Sato also strong all afternoon. Power made his final pit stop on lap 64, and attempted to stretch his fuel over the final 21 laps. Pagenaud pitted on lap 70, and seemingly had plenty of fuel to charge to the finish. As Power held the lead, Pagenaud dramatically charged to catch Power, gaining 1–2 second per lap. The cars were nose-to-tail in the hairpin as they approached the white flag. Power held off on the final lap to win by 0.8 second.[http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/April/4-15-Power-holds-on-in-drag-race]

On the final lap, Sato lost his chance at a podium finish, as he suffered contact from Ryan Hunter-Reay and spun out into the wall. Hunter-Reay crossed the finish line third, but was penalized 30 seconds for "avoidable contact" in the Sato incident. The penalty elevated James Hinchcliffe to third in the official results. After the leaders took the checkered flag, a four-car melee occurred in the hairpin, involving Hélio Castroneves and Rubens Barrichello, among others.

Despite all eleven of the Chevrolet entries being penalized 10 starting positions due to the engine changes, Chevrolet-powered cars swept 8 of the top ten finishing positions.

|leadchanges=9 between 7 drivers

|leaders=1–4: #10 Franchitti

• 5–19: #18 Wilson
• 20–27: #15 Sato
• 28: #28 Hunter-Reay
• 29–33: #2 Briscoe
• 34–47: #77 Pagenaud
• 48–55: #15 Sato
• 56–58: #28 Hunter-Reay
• 59–70: #77 Pagenaud
• 71–85: #12 Power

|yellows=3 for 12 laps

|cautions=1–3: #67 Newgarden crashed in turn 1

• 20–21: #7 Bourdais contact in turn 9
• 23–29: #26 Andretti & #38 Rahal crash in turn 8; #98 Tagliani contact frontstretch; #6 Legge contact turn 9

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings=0.35 (overnight),[http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268756/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=Py7YXRSt] 468,000 viewers [http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/04/tv-ratings-another-ten-year-high-for-the-st-louis-blues-also-n-y-rangers-indycar-on-nbcsn/]

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM|bg=|bg2=|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold; |state=collapsed

|title=Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle

|1stsp=1|1stno=12|1stbg=|1stfont=|1stname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power|1stteam=Team Penske|1stlaps=75|1sttime=2:08:18.2816

|2ndsp=5|2ndno=28|2ndbg=|2ndfont=|2ndname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay|2ndteam=Andretti Autosport|2ndlaps=75|2ndmargin=+0.9045

|3rdsp=25|3rdno=15|3rdbg=|3rdfont=|3rdname={{flagicon|JPN}} Takuma Sato|3rdteam=Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing|3rdlaps=75|3rdmargin=+2.3905|avespeed= 88.945

|officialreport=[http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/Official_Sao_Paulo_Indy_300_Box_Score.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday April 29, 2012

|time=11:00 a.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle= São Paulo Indy 300

|track=Streets of São Paulo

|city=São Paulo, Brazil

|tracktype=Temporary street circuit

|onelapmi=2.536|laps=75|miles=190.200

|weather={{convert|79|F|C}}, partly cloudy

|pole=#12 Will Power, 1:21.4045 sec, {{convert|112.151|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance=31,000 grandstand seats sold out [http://www.insidesaopaulo.com/2012/04/f-indy-2012-anhembi-circuit-expects-30.html]

|wikireport=2012 São Paulo Indy 300

|textsummary=Will Power led 63 laps en route to his third straight IndyCar victory in 2012, and third consecutive win in São Paulo. Power took the lead at the start and led the first 51 laps. The early parts of the race were clean, but two multi-car pileups occurred on restarts in the tight chicane segment. On one of the final restarts, Takuma Sato aggressively moved into third place, taking his first podium finish in IndyCar competition. Power held off Ryan Hunter-Reay over the final 12 laps to secure the victory.[https://www.espn.com/racing/indycar/story/_/id/7869857/will-power-wins-3rd-straight-indycar-sao-paulo-300]

Despite concerns about possible rain during the race, the skies cleared, and the race was dry, with only trace drizzle that did not affect the track.

|leadchanges=5 between 5 drivers

|leaders=1–51: #12 Power

• 52: #10 Franchitti
• 53–54: #3 Castroneves
• 55: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 56–63: #9 Dixon
• 64–75: #12 Power

|yellows=5 for 15 laps

|cautions=23–25: #2 Briscoe crashed in turn 10

• 27–28: #10 Franchitti & #14 Conway contact in turn 1
• 30–32: #78 De Silvestro crashed in turn 2, #7 Bourdais, #14 Conway, #19 Jakes, #67 Newgarden & #83 Kimball involved in contact
• 63–66: #67 Newgarden crashed in turn 6
• 68–70: #9 Dixon, #11 Kanaan, #14 Conway, #19 Jakes, #25 Beatriz, #26 Andretti, #38 Rahal & #77 Pagenaud contact in turn 2

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Kevin Lee

|ratings=0.23 HH rating, 0.33 CVG rating, 0.46 peak at checkered flag

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=THREE

|bg=|bg2=|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold; |state=collapsed

|title=96th Indianapolis 500

|1stsp=16|1stno=50|1stbg=|1stfont=|1stname={{flagicon|GBR}} Dario Franchitti|1stteam=Chip Ganassi Racing|1stengine=Honda|1stlaps=200|1sttime=2:58:51.2532

|2ndsp=15|2ndno=9|2ndbg=|2ndfont=|2ndname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon|2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing|2ndengine=Honda|2ndlaps=200|2ndmargin=+0.0295^†

|3rdsp=8|3rdno=11|3rdbg=|3rdfont=|3rdname={{flagicon|BRA}} Tony Kanaan|3rdteam=KV Racing Technology|3rdengine=Chevrolet|3rdlaps=200|3rdmargin=+0.0677 |avespeed=167.734

|officialreport=[http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/05-May/~/media/Files/05-Indianapolis-500/05-IND-BoxScore.pdf REPORT]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

|date=Sunday May 27, 2012

|time=12:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle=Indianapolis 500

|track=Indianapolis Motor Speedway|city=Speedway, Indiana|tracktype=Oval|onelapmi=2.5|laps=200|miles=500

|weather= {{convert|91|F|C}}, partly cloudy

|pole=#2 Ryan Briscoe, 2:38.9514 sec, {{convert|226.484|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (4-lap)

|wikireport=2012 Indianapolis 500

|textsummary=The first oval race for the new Dallara DW-12 chassis saw an all-time Indy 500 record 34 lead changes during a highly competitive event. On the final lap, second place Takuma Sato attempted to pass Dario Franchitti for the lead in turn one. As the two cars were side by side, Sato pinched the car down too low, spun, and crashed into the outside wall. Franchitti slipped by unscathed to take the victory. Franchitti's teammate Scott Dixon finished second, sweeping a 1–2 finish for Chip Ganassi Racing.

|leadchanges=34 between 10 drivers

|leaders=1: #27 Hinchcliffe

• 2–4: #2 Briscoe
• 5–6: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 7–15: #2 Briscoe
• 16–17: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 18–19: #2 Briscoe
• 20–21: #26 Andretti
• 22: #2 Briscoe
• 23–44: #26 Andretti
• 45–46: #98 Tagliani
• 47: #9 Dixon
• 48–49: #83 Kimball
• 50–73: #26 Andretti
• 75–78: #9 Dixon
• 79: #83 Kimball
• 80–90: #26 Andretti
• 91–118: #9 Dixon
• 119–123: #15 Sato
• 124–125: #8 Barrichello
• 126–146: #15 Sato
• 147: #9 Dixon
• 148–152: #15 Sato
• 153–159: #50 Franchitti
• 160: #9 Dixon
• 161–162: #50 Franchitti
• 163–171: #9 Dixon
• 172–173: #50 Franchitti
• 174–176: #9 Dixon
• 177: #50 Franchitti
• 178: #9 Dixon
• 179–186: #50 Franchitti
• 187–193: #11 Kanaan
• 194: #50 Franchitti
• 195–198: #9 Dixon
• 199–200: #50 Franchitti

|yellows=8 for 39 laps

|cautions=14–17: Spin: #39 Clauson in Turn 2

• 80–86: Contact: #12 Power & #14 Conway in Turn 2
• 90–94: Contact: #25 Beatriz in Turn 2
• 146–151: Stall: #17 Saavedra in Turn 2
• 164–170: Stall: #67 Newgarden in Backstretch
• 181–183: Spin: #20 Carpenter in Turn 1
• 188–193: Contact: #26 Andretti in Turn 1
• 200: Contact: #15 Sato in Turn 1

|tvnetwork= ABC (race day), NBC Sports Network (time trials)

|booth=

• NBC Sports Network (time trials): Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.
• ABC (race day): Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear, Eddie Cheever

|pits=

• NBC Sports Network (time trials): Derek Daly, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller
• ABC (race day): Jamie Little, Vince Welch, Rick DeBruhl, Jerry Punch

|ratings=4.1 (overnight), 1.9 (pre-race)[http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/05/indy-500-race-earns-second-lowest-overnight-pre-race-coverage-up-big/], 4.34 (Fast Nationals)[https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tv-ratings-increase-for-indianapolis-500/#ixzz1wJDPl41b], 6.9 million viewers

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=|bg2=|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold; |state=collapsed

|title=Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix presented by ShopAutoWeek.com

|1stsp=1|1stno=9|1stbg=|1stfont=|1stname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon|1stteam=Chip Ganassi Racing|1stlaps=60|1sttime=1:27:39.5053

|2ndsp=14|2ndno=10|2ndbg=|2ndfont=|2ndname={{flagicon|GBR}} Dario Franchitti |2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing|2ndlaps=60|2ndmargin=+ 1.9628

|3rdsp=4|3rdno=77|3rdbg=|3rdfont=|3rdname={{flagicon|FRA}} Simon Pagenaud {{color box|orange|R|border=silver}}|3rdteam=Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports|3rdlaps=60|3rdmargin=+ 2.4773

|avespeed= 88.945

|officialreport=[http://www.indycar.com/News/2012/06-June/~/media/Files/06-Chevy-Detroit-Belle-Isle-Grand-Prix/06-DET-BoxScore.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday June 3, 2012|time=3:30 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle= Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix|track=Belle Isle|city=Detroit, Michigan|tracktype=Temporary street circuit|onelapmi=2.07|laps=60|miles=124.2

|weather={{convert|79|F|C}}, cloudy, rain

|pole=#12 Will Power, 1:21.4045 sec, {{convert|112.151|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance= TBA

|wikireport=2012 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix

|textsummary=Scott Dixon led wire-to-wire at Detroit, IndyCar's return to the Belle Isle circuit for the first time since 2008. Around lap 40, a tar patch of the track broke up, with chunks of pavement creating debris on the track. James Hinchcliffe ran over some of the debris, and crashed hard into the tire barrier. The race was red flagged in order to make repairs to the track surface. After over two hours, the race resumed, but race officials shortened the duration to 60 laps (down from 90). Scott Dixon led the rest of the way, while Dario Franchitti charged up to second place at the finish. The checkered flag fell just minutes before a downpour.

|leadchanges=none

|leaders=1–60: #9 Dixon

|yellows=3 for 10 laps

|cautions=40–44: #27 Hinchcliffe contact in turn 7, #15 Sato contact in turn 12

• 45: Red flag for track repairs
• 45–46: Restarting from red flag
• 48–50: #3 Castroneves and #20 Carpenter contact in turn 6, #67 Newgarden spin

|tvnetwork= ABC, coverage switched to ESPNews at 6 p.m. EDT

|booth=Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear

|pits=Jamie Little, Vince Welch, and Rick DeBruhl

|ratings=0.7 overnight

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=THREE

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Firestone 550

|1stsp=17

|1stno=18

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|GBR}} Justin Wilson

|1stteam=Dale Coyne Racing

|1stengine=Honda

|1stlaps=228

|1sttime=1:59:02.0131

|2ndsp=3

|2ndno=38

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|USA}} Graham Rahal

|2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|2ndengine=Honda

|2ndlaps=228

|2ndmargin= + 3.9202

|3rdsp=10

|3rdno=2

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname= {{flagicon|AUS}} Ryan Briscoe

|3rdteam= Team Penske

|3rdengine=Chevrolet

|3rdlaps=228

|3rdmargin=+ 5.8619

|avespeed=167.217

|officialreport=[http://www.indycar.com/en/News/2012/06-June/~/media/Files/2012/07-TEX-Firestone-550/07-TEX-BoxScore.pdf REPORT]

|date=Saturday June 9, 2012

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle=Firestone 550

|track=Texas Motor Speedway

|city=Fort Worth, Texas

|tracktype=Oval

|onelapmi=1.455

|laps=228

|miles=331.740

|weather={{convert|88|F|C}}, partly cloudy

|pole=#98 Alex Tagliani, 48.5695 sec, {{convert|215.691|mph|kph|abbr=on}} (2-lap)

|attendance=69,000 [https://www.espn.com/racing/indycar/story/_/id/8031737/indycar-graham-rahal-mistake-opens-door-justin-wilson-texas-motor-speedway]

|wikireport=2012 Firestone 550

|textsummary=After experimenting with the Twin 275s race format in 2011, the event reverted to a single {{convert|550|km|0|abbr=on}} race. The event marked the first race of the new Dallara DW-12 chassis on one of the high-banked 1.5 mile circuits. Though there was a level of apprehension entering the week (in the wake of the Las Vegas tragedy), series officials took measures to reduce downforce, lower speeds, and break up the "pack racing." The result was a highly competitive race and yielded overall positive results.[https://www.espn.com/racing/indycar/story/_/id/8031737/indycar-graham-rahal-mistake-opens-door-justin-wilson-texas-motor-speedway]

Scott Dixon dominated most of the first half, leading 133 laps, and seemingly passing and pulling away at will. His Ganassi teammate Dario Franchitti, however, suffered from poor handling and after an unscheduled pit stop, fell behind and was never a factor. On lap 170, Dixon's handling started to go away, and lost the lead to Will Power. A few laps later, he got too low in turn four, and was caught up in dirty air, which caused him to spin and crash out in the exit of turn four.

After the restart, Will Power led Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan. Down the backstretch, the cars went three wide, and Power swerved to block the inside line. He made contact with Kanaan's front wing, and the broken wing required Kanaan to pit for repairs. A few minutes later, race director Beaux Barfield issued a blocking penalty to Power, and he was forced to serve a "drive-through" penalty in the pit lane.

Graham Rahal took the lead on lap 200, and appeared on his way to his second-career IndyCar victory. He held a lead of several seconds over Justin Wilson. With three laps to go, however, Rahal slid high exiting turn four, and smacked the outside wall with the right side of the car. Rahal continued, but slowed enough that Wilson passed him for the lead down the backstretch. Wilson led the final two laps, and scored his second career IndyCar victory, and Dale Coyne's second victory as a car owner. Rahal held on to come home second.

|leadchanges=9 between 7 drivers

|leaders=1: 1–20: #98 Tagliani

• 21–116: #9 Dixon
• 117–125: #18 Wilson
• 126–133: #9 Dixon
• 134–141: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 142–170: #9 Dixon
• 171–194: #12 Power
• 195–199: #2 Briscoe
• 200–226: #38 Rahal
• 227–228: #18 Wilson

|yellows=4 for 32 laps

|cautions=31–39: #83 Kimball contact in turn 4

• 65–70: #15 Sato crash on backstretch
• 131–137: #5 Viso stalled
• 174–183: #9 Dixon crash turn 4

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth=Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Tommy Kendall

|pits= Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings= 0.41 (Final), 722,000 viewers

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Milwaukee IndyFest presented by XYQ

|1stsp=2

|1stno=28

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay

|1stteam=Andretti Autosport

|1stengine=Chevrolet

|1stlaps=225

|1sttime=1:52:17:8119

|2ndsp=6

|2ndno=11

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|BRA}} Tony Kanaan

|2ndteam=KV Racing Technology

|2ndengine=Chevrolet

|2ndlaps=225

|2ndmargin=+ 5.1029

|3rdsp=8

|3rdno=27

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|CAN}} James Hinchcliffe

|3rdteam=Andretti Autosport

|3rdengine=Chevrolet

|3rdlaps=225

|3rdmargin=+ 7.2715

|avespeed=122.020

|officialreport=REPORT

|date=Saturday June 16, 2012

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle=Milwaukee IndyFest

|track=Milwaukee Mile

|city=West Allis, Wisconsin

|tracktype=Oval

|onelapmi=1.015

|laps=225

|miles=228.375

|weather= 84F

|pole=#10 Dario Franchitti, 43.3100 sec, {{convert|168.737|mph|abbr=on}} (2-lap)

|wikireport=2012 Milwaukee IndyFest

|textsummary= Dario Franchitti sits on the pole at The Milwaukee Mile, he led eventual race winner Ryan Hunter Reay to the green flag. The race got delayed 90 minutes due to rain. We ran the first 66 laps without a caution, until the 1st caution came out on lap 67 when Simona de Silvestro crashed in turn 4, the first restart came on lap 79. The 2nd caution came on lap 94 when Justin Wilson lost an engine in turn 1, the next restart came on lap 103 and Scott Dixon gets black flagged for jumping the restart. The 3rd caution came out on lap 108 when Takuma Sato and James Jakes crashed in turn 2, the next restart came on lap 122. The 4th caution came out when there was a couple raindrops falling on the racetrack. The next to final restart came on lap 192, and the 5th and final caution came on lap 195 when polesitter Dario Franchitti crashed in turn 3. The final restart came on lap 201. Ryan Hunter Reay wins by 5 seconds over Tony Kanaan and James Hinchcliffe gets his best finish on an oval, he ties his career best finish. Hinchcliffe finished 3rd at the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 15, 2012. Hunter Reay gets his first win of the season, and first win since the 2011 MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 15, 2011.

|leadchanges=5 between 5 drivers

|leaders=1–63: #10 Dario Franchitti

• 64–68: #3 Hélio Castroneves
• 69: #27 James Hinchcliffe
• 70–96: #5 E. J. Viso
• 97–141: #3 Castroneves
• 142–225: #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay

|yellows=5 for 51 laps

|cautions=67–78: #78 Simona de Silvestro contact in Turn 4

• 94–102: #18 Justin Wilson stall in Turn 1
• 108–121: #15 Takuma Sato & #19 James Jakes contact in Turn 2, #4 J. R. Hildebrand stall in Turn 3
• 182–191: Moisture in Turn 3
• 195–200: #10 Dario Franchitti contact in Turn 3

|tvnetwork= ABC Sports

|booth=Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear

|pits= Rick DeBruhl, Jamie Little, and Vince Welch

|ratings=1.0, 1.4 million viewers

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Iowa Corn Indy 250

|1stsp=7

|1stno=28

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay

|1stteam=Andretti Autosport

|1stlaps=250

|1sttime=1:43:39.3031

|2ndsp=3

|2ndno=26

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|USA}} Marco Andretti

|2ndteam=Andretti Autosport

|2ndlaps=250

|2ndmargin= +0.1103^†

|3rdsp=19

|3rdno=11

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|BRA}} Tony Kanaan

|3rdteam=KV Racing Technology

|3rdlaps=250

|3rdmargin= +2.7248

|avespeed=129.371

|officialreport=[http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/IOWA--Iowa_Corn_Indy_250_Box_Score.pdf REPORT]

|date=Saturday June 23, 2012

|time=10:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle=Iowa Corn Indy 250

|track=Iowa Speedway

|city=Newton, Iowa

|tracktype=Oval

|onelapmi=0.875

|laps=250

|miles=218.75

|weather= 86F

|pole=#10 Dario Franchitti - Won qualifying heat race: [http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/IOWA--heat_3.pdf REPORT]

|wikireport=2012 Iowa Corn Indy 250

|textsummary=Ryan Hunter-Reay won for the second weekend in a row, and for the second weekend in a row on a short oval. Hunter-Reay passed his teammate Marco Andretti for second place on lap 234, then took the lead from Scott Dixon four laps later.

In a new format, the starting lineup was determined by three heat races. Dario Franchitti won the third and final heat race, which secured the pole position. However, he suffered an engine failure on the pace laps, and dropped out before the green flag.

|leadchanges=10 between 8 drivers

|leaders=1–51 #3 Helio Castroneves

• 52–70 #27 James Hinchcliffe
• 71 #8 Rubens Barrichello
• 72 #19 James Jakes
• 73–154 #3 Helio Castroneves
• 155–156 #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay
• 157–176 #9 Scott Dixon
• 177–178 #2 Briscoe
• 179–181 #26 Marco Andretti
• 182–237 #9 Scott Dixon
• 238–250 #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay

|yellows=6 for 64 laps

|cautions=1–9: Stalled cars #10 Franchitti & #98 Tagliani

• 68–83: Contact #5 Viso & #12 Power in turn 2
• 98–110: Contact #4 Hildebrand in turn 1
• 179–194: Contact #2 Briscoe & #67 Newgarden in turn 2
• 197–203: Contact #27 Hunchcliffe in turn 4
• 248–250: Contact #6 Legge in turn 2

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Tommy Kendall

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings= 0.34 (Final)

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Honda Indy Toronto

|1stsp=7

|1stno=28

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay

|1stteam=Andretti Autosport

|1stlaps=85

|1sttime=1:33:26.5096

|2ndsp=13

|2ndno=83

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|USA}} Charlie Kimball

|2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|2ndlaps=85

|2ndmargin=+0.0757^†

|3rdsp=11

|3rdno=14

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|GBR}} Mike Conway

|3rdteam=A. J. Foyt Enterprises

|3rdlaps=85

|3rdmargin=+0.2848

|avespeed=

|officialreport= [http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/Honda_Indy_Toronto_Box_Score.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday July 8, 2012

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle= Honda Indy Toronto

|track=Streets of Toronto

|city=Toronto, Ontario

|tracktype=Temporary street circuit

|onelapmi=1.755

|laps=85

|miles=149.175

|weather={{convert|82|F|C}}, clear skies

|pole=#10 Dario Franchitti, 59.3510 sec, {{convert|106.451|mph|abbr=on}}

|attendance=

|wikireport= 2012 Honda Indy Toronto

|textsummary= Dario Franchitti wins his 3rd consecutive pole in the Indycar Series, he was followed by Will Power, Justin Wilson, Sébastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon, and Ryan Hunter Reay. We ran the first 23 laps without a caution until Graham Rahal crashed in turn 1 and lap 24. The first restart came on lap 28. We had a 52 lap green flag run, the 2nd caution came on lap 80 when rookies Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden got together in turn 3, Newgarden got the worst of it, and Pagenaud eventually got a penalty for avoidable contact. The final restart came on lap 82. The 3rd and final caution came on lap 83 when Sébastien Bourdais, Rubens Barrichello, and Alex Tagliani made contact in turn 1, Dario Franchitti got into Ryan Briscoe in turn 3, and then Ed Carpenter got into Simon Pagenaud and got into Marco Andretti. The race end under caution and Ryan Hunter Reay picks up his 3rd consecutive win the season. Hunter Reay leads by 34 points over Will Power and 46 points over Hélio Castroneves. Hunter Reay holds off Charlie Kimball, who picks up his first podium of his career, and Mike Conway, who picks up his best finish of the season. Conway gives A. J. Foyt Enterprises their first podium since Vítor Meira at the 2010 Sao Paulo Indy 300.

|leadchanges=6 between 5 drivers

|leaders=1–5 #10 Dario Franchitti

• 6–25 #12 Will Power
• 26–48 #77 Simon Pagenaud (R)
• 49–55 #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay
• 56 #4 J. R. Hildebrand
• 57–85 #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay

|yellows=3 for 8 laps

|cautions=24–27: Contact #38 Rahal in turn 2

• 80–81: Contact #67 Newgarden in turn 3
• 83–84: Contact #7 Bourdais in turn 1; 2 Briscoe, 10 Franchitti, 20 Carpenter, 26 Andretti & 77 Pagenaud in turn 3

|tvnetwork=ABC

|booth=Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear

|pits=Jamie Little, Vince Welch, and Rick DeBruhl

|ratings= 1.6 (Overnight), 1.3 (Final), 1,831,000 viewers

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Edmonton Indy

|1stsp=5

|1stno=3

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|BRA}} Hélio Castroneves

|1stteam=Team Penske

|1stlaps=75

|1sttime=1:38:50.9294

|2ndsp=3

|2ndno=15

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|JPN}} Takuma Sato

|2ndteam=Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

|2ndlaps=75

|2ndmargin=+0.8367

|3rdsp=17

|3rdno=12

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power

|3rdteam=Team Penske

|3rdlaps=75

|3rdmargin=+5.3697

|avespeed=101.246

|officialreport= [http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/EDM-Edmonton_Indy_Box_Score.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday July 22, 2012

|time=12:45 p.m. MDT (2:45 p.m. EDT)

|wikiracearticle= Edmonton Indy

|track=Edmonton City Centre Airport

|city=Edmonton, Alberta

|tracktype=Temporary circuit

|onelapmi=2.224

|laps=80

|miles=177.920

|weather= 79F

|pole=#28 Ryan Hunter-Reay, 1:07.2338, 103.664 mph

|attendance=

|wikireport=2012 Edmonton Indy

|textsummary=Hélio Castroneves held off Takuma Sato to win the Edmonton Indy, in a race that went flag-to-flag without a caution. On the final round of pit stops, Castroneves pitted on lap earlier than Sato, and when Sato exited the pits, Castroneves slipped by to take the lead in turn one.

With the victory, Castroneves moved into second place in the season points standings behind Ryan Hunter-Reay. Championship contender Will Power started 17th, and notably charged all the way up to third at the finish. Power, however, slipped down to third in the season standings.

|leadchanges=5 between 4 drivers

|leaders=1–25: #98 Alex Tagliani

• 26: #2 Ryan Briscoe
• 27: #12 Will Power
• 28–51: #98 Alex Tagliani
• 52–53: #12 Will Power
• 54–75: #3 Helio Castroneves

|yellows=0 for 0 laps

|cautions=None

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings= 0.48 (Final)

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

|1stsp=4

|1stno=9

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon

|1stteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|1stlaps=85

|1sttime=1:39:48.5083

|2ndsp=1

|2ndno=12

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power

|2ndteam=Team Penske

|2ndlaps=85

|2ndmargin= + 3.4619

|3rdsp=3

|3rdno=77

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|FRA}} Simon Pagenaud {{color box|orange|R|border=silver}}

|3rdteam=Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports

|3rdlaps=85

|3rdmargin= + 4.5402

|avespeed=115.379

|officialreport= [http://www.indycar.com/~/media//Files/2012/12-MID/12-MID-BoxScore.pdf REPORT]

|date=Sunday August 5, 2012

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle= Honda Indy 200

|track=Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

|city=Lexington, Ohio

|tracktype=Road course

|onelapmi=2.258

|laps=85

|miles=191.930

|weather= 93F

|pole=#12 Will Power, 1:05.6474 sec, {{convert|123.825|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance=

|wikireport=2012 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

|textsummary= Will Power picks up the pole at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, he was followed by Dario Franchitti, Simon Pagenaud, Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe, and Sébastien Bourdais. For the 2nd consecutive race in row, the race goes caution free. Scott Dixon picks up his 2nd win of the season, and 4th at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Dixon was followed by Will Power and Simon Pagenaud. Will Power leads the championship by 5 points over Ryan Hunter Reay, 26 points over Hélio Castroneves and 28 points over Scott Dixon.

|leadchanges=2 between 3 drivers

|leaders=1–57: #12 Power

• 58–59: #27 Hinchcliffe
• 60–85: #9 Dixon

|yellows=0 for 0 laps

|cautions=None

|tvnetwork= ABC

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell

|ratings= 0.9, 1,301,000 viewers

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

|1stsp=2

|1stno=2

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|AUS}} Ryan Briscoe

|1stteam=Team Penske

|1stlaps=85

|1sttime=2:07:02.8248

|2ndsp=1

|2ndno=12

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|AUS}} Will Power

|2ndteam=Team Penske

|2ndlaps=85

|2ndmargin=+0.4408

|3rdsp=6

|3rdno=10

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|GBR}} Dario Franchitti

|3rdteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|3rdlaps=85

|3rdmargin=+ 1.0497

|avespeed=95.740

|officialreport= [http://www.indycar.com/~/media//Files/2012/13-SON/13-SON-BoxScore REPORT]

|date=Sunday August 26, 2012

|time=4:00 p.m. EDT / 1:00 p.m. PDT

|wikiracearticle= GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

|track=Sonoma Raceway

|city=Sonoma, California

|tracktype=Road course

|onelapmi=2.310

|laps=85

|miles=196.350

|weather={{convert|79|F|C}}, overcast

|pole=#12 Will Power, 1:17.2709 sec, {{convert|111.116|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|attendance=

|wikireport=2012 GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

|textsummary= Will Power picks up his 3rd consecutive pole at Sonoma Raceway, 2nd consecutive pole of the season. He was followed by Ryan Briscoe, Sébastien Bourdais, Hélio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, and Dario Franchitti. The green waved and Championship Contenders Hélio Castroneves and Scott Dixon got together in turn 7, Dixon got the worst of it, and Castroneves gets a drive through penalty for avoidable contact. We ran the first 64 laps without a caution, until lap 65 when Sébastien Bourdais and Josef Newgarden crashed in turn 8. The next restart came on lap 74, and on lap 75 the 2nd caution came when Alex Tagliani spun Ryan Hunter Reay in turn 7, Tagliani eventually would get penalized for avoidable contact. Ryan Hunter Reay would get penalized for avoidable contact on E. J. Viso. Oriol Servia would get penalized for avoidable contact on Mike Conway. Ryan Briscoe holds off Will Power and Dario Franchitti to pick up his first win since the 2010 Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 5, 2010. Will Power leads the championship by 37 points over Ryan Hunter Reay with 2 races left in the season.

|leadchanges=6 between 3 drivers

|leaders=1–17: #12 Power

• 18–19: #2 Briscoe
• 20: #28 Hunter-Reay
• 21–40: #12 Power
• 41–43: #2 Briscoe
• 44–63: #12 Power
• 64–85: #2 Briscoe

|yellows=2 for 11 laps

|cautions=65–73: #7 Bourdais, #67 Newgarden crash in turn 8

• 7–76: #28 Hunter-Reay, #98 Tagliani contact in turn 9

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell

|ratings= 0.32

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT

|1stsp=10

|1stno=28

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|USA}} Ryan Hunter-Reay

|1stteam=Andretti Autosport

|1stlaps=75

|1sttime=2:09:02.9522

|2ndsp=11

|2ndno=2

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|AUS}} Ryan Briscoe

|2ndteam=Team Penske

|2ndlaps=75

|2ndmargin= +1.4391

|3rdsp=9

|3rdno=77

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|FRA}} Simon Pagenaud {{color box|orange|R|border=silver}}

|3rdteam=Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports

|3rdlaps=75

|3rdmargin=+ 3.0253

|avespeed=71.136

|officialreport= [http://www.indycar.com/~/media//Files/2012/14-BAL/14-BAL-BoxScore REPORT]

|date=Sunday September 2, 2012

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|wikiracearticle= Grand Prix of Baltimore

|track=Streets of Baltimore

|city=Baltimore, Maryland

|tracktype=Temporary street circuit

|onelapmi=2.040

|laps=75

|miles=153.000

|weather= 84F

|pole=Will Power, 1:07.9750, 94.185 mph

|attendance=

|wikireport= 2012 Grand Prix of Baltimore

|textsummary= Will Power picks up his 3rd consecutive pole of the season. We went the first 8 laps without a full course caution. The first caution came out on lap 9 when Ed Carpenter crashed on the frontstretch, the first restart came out on lap 13. The 2nd caution came out on lap 14 when Hélio Castroneves, J. R. Hildebrand, Mike Conway, and Bruno Junqueira crashed in turn 6, the next restart came on lap 17. The 3rd caution came on lap 19 when Marco Andretti crashed in turn 1, the next restart came on lap 21. The 4th caution came on lap 22 when Dario Franchitti and Simona de Silvestro crashed in turn 1, the next restart came on lap 24. The 5th caution came on lap 33 when James Jakes crashed in turn 12, the next restart came on lap 36. The 6th caution came on lap 37 when James Hinchcliffe crashed in turn 2, the next restart came on lap 39. The 7th caution came on lap 40 when Simona de Silvestro crashed on the frontstretch, the next restart came on lap 42. The 8th caution came when Charlie Kimball had a drivetrain issue in turn 3, the next to final restart came on lap 69. The 9th and final caution came on lap 70 when Mike Conway, Justin Wilson, Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe, and Graham Rahal crashed in turn 4. Ryan Hunter Reay held off Ryan Briscoe and Simon Pagenaud to pick his 4th win of the season, closing the championship gap to within 17 points behind Will Power with one race left in the season.

}}

{{IndyCarSeriesracebox

|Type=PODIUM

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle=color:white; background:#EE0033; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;

|state=collapsed

|title=MAVTV 500 INDYCAR World Championships

|1stsp=5

|1stno=20

|1stbg=

|1stfont=

|1stname={{flagicon|USA}} Ed Carpenter

|1stteam=Ed Carpenter Racing

|1stengine=

|1stlaps=250

|1sttime=2:57:34.7433

|2ndsp=9

|2ndno=10

|2ndbg=

|2ndfont=

|2ndname={{flagicon|GBR}} Dario Franchitti

|2ndteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|2ndengine=

|2ndlaps=250

|2ndmargin=+ 1.9

|3rdsp=15

|3rdno=9

|3rdbg=

|3rdfont=

|3rdname={{flagicon|NZL}} Scott Dixon

|3rdteam=Chip Ganassi Racing

|3rdengine=

|3rdlaps=250

|3rdmargin=+ 2.6

|avespeed=168.939

|officialreport=REPORT

|date=Saturday September 15, 2012

|time=8:30 p.m. EDT / 5:30 p.m. PDT

|wikiracearticle=MAVTV 500

|track=Auto Club Speedway

|city=Fontana, California

|tracktype=Oval

|onelapmi=2.000

|laps=250

|miles=500

|weather= 98F

|pole=#26 Marco Andretti, {{convert|216.069|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

|wikireport=2012 MAVTV 500 IndyCar World Championships

|textsummary= The Indycar Series broke the record for the most hottest race in the series, which it dated back the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 19, 2009, 64 races ago. Marco Andretti picks up his first pole since The Milwaukee Mile in June 2008, 77 starts ago. Ryan Hunter Reay and Will Power are the only 2 drivers that can win the championship. We ran the first 55 laps without a caution until Championship Contender Will Power crashed in turn 2. The first restart came on lap 65, the 2nd caution came out when Katherine Legge and Justin Wilson crashed in turn 3. The next restart came out on lap 85, the 3rd caution came out on lap 108 when Rubens Barrichello lost an engine in turn 2. The next restart came out on lap 115, and the 4th caution came out on lap 182 when Ryan Briscoe crashed in turn 4. The next restart came out on lap 189, the 5th caution came out on lap 230 when Alex Tagliani crashed in turn 4. The next restart came on lap 235, the 6th caution came on lap 241 when Tony Kanaan crashed in turn 4. The final restart came on lap 244, and the 7th and final caution came on lap 250 when Takuma Sato crashed in turn 2. Ed Carpenter passed Dario Franchitti to pick up his first win since the 2011 Kentucky Indy 300 at the Kentucky Speedway on October 2, 2011, which it dated back 15 races ago. Scott Dixon came home in 3rd place. Ryan Hunter Reay wins the championship by 3 points over Will Power, Hunter Reay became the first American champion since 2006 with Sam Hornish Jr.

|leadchanges=x for x laps

|leaders=xx–xx: #xx xxx xxx

• xx–xx: #xx xxx xxx

|yellows=x for x laps

|cautions= xx–xx: #xx xxx xxx

• xx–xx: #xx xxx xxx

|tvnetwork= NBC Sports Network

|booth= Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Tommy Kendall

|pits= Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Townsend Bell, Robin Miller

|ratings= 0.55, 818,000 viewers

}}

{{Further|List of American Championship car racing point scoring systems}}

• Ties in points broken by number of wins, followed by number of 2nds, 3rds, etc., and then by number of pole positions, followed by number of times qualified 2nd, etc.

• One point is awarded to any driver who leads at least one lap during a race. Two additional points are awarded to the driver who leads the most laps in a race.
• Bonus points are awarded for qualifying performance:
• At all tracks except Indianapolis, the driver who qualifies on pole earns one point.
• At Indianapolis, drivers who advance to Q2 earn bonus points. Drivers who qualify tenth through twenty-fourth earn four qualifying points, and the remaining qualifying drivers earn three points.

|valign="top"|

|-

|

|}

|}

• Based on the entrant, used for oval qualifications order, and starting grids when qualifying is cancelled.
• Only full-time entrants, and at-large part-time entrants shown.

{{Refbegin}}

1. {{note|1}} The #22 entry was penalized 5 points for an unspecified infraction.
2. {{note|2}} The #18 entry was penalized 5 points for a post-race technical infraction at Texas.
3. {{note|3}} The #20 entry was penalized 1 point for a post-race technical infraction at Texas.
4. {{note|4}} The #14 entry was penalized 10 points for a post-race technical infraction at Toronto

{{Refend}}

|valign="top"|

|}

• Manufacturers' Championship points are awarded based on the finishing position of the highest finishing car of each respective manufacturer at each round.[http://www.autoracing1.com/PDFs/2012/2012_IZOD_IndyCar_Series_Rule_Book_2-10-12.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526114922/http://www.autoracing1.com/PDFs/2012/2012_IZOD_IndyCar_Series_Rule_Book_2-10-12.pdf|date=2012-05-26}}, Rule 10.6.3

For 2012, as in recent years, the IndyCar Series schedule split its television coverage between ESPN on ABC and NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus). The season finale returned to NBC Sports Network after airing on ABC in 2011.

As a result of logistics, NBC Sports Network aired 2012 Summer Olympics coverage during the time and ESPN's broadcast and production crew were working the NASCAR Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 during a split race weekend for the two NASCAR national series), the August 5 race at Mid Ohio that aired on ABC used the NBC Sports Network crew.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCsvRrqg8FI NBC announcers on ABC announcing flex of race from NBCSN to ABC

In addition to qualifying and race broadcasts, NBC Sports Network aired IndyCar 36, a documentary series based on NBC's 36 format. Each 30-minute episode features a driver's race weekend. The drivers selected were:

• Tony Kanaan (St. Petersburg)
• Graham Rahal (Barber)
• Ryan Hunter-Reay (Long Beach)
• J. R. Hildebrand (Indianapolis qualifying)
• Hélio Castroneves (Indianapolis 500-Mile Race)
• Charlie Kimball (Texas)
• Ed Carpenter (Iowa)
• James Hinchcliffe (Toronto)
• Simon Pagenaud (Mid-Ohio)
• Will Power (Sonoma)
• Oriol Servià (Baltimore)
• Josef Newgarden (Fontana)

No shows were produced at São Paulo, Detroit, Milwaukee or Edmonton, whereas frontrunners Ryan Briscoe, Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon were not featured.

{{Reflist|group=N}}

{{Reflist|3}}

{{American Championship Car seasons}}

{{IndyCar Series Seasons}}

{{Road to Indy}}

Category:IndyCar Series seasons

IndyCar

IndyCar

IndyCar Series