The anticipation builds as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES heads into the picturesque and technically challenging Barber Motorsports Park, situated in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2025 Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst. Scheduled from May 2-4, the event promises to deliver high-speed action and intense competition.
Barber Motorsports Park Overview
The Barber Motorsports Park features a 2.3-mile, 17-turn road course that runs clockwise, providing drivers with numerous overtaking opportunities and challenging corners. Known for its sweeping turns and elevation changes, the track tests drivers’ technical precision and strategic execution.
Race Specifics
- Distance: 90 laps covering a total of 207 miles.
- Push-to-Pass: Drivers have 200 seconds of total time with a maximum single duration of 20 seconds. This feature is disabled during initial race starts and restarts, except within the final two laps or three minutes.
- Hybrid Energy Deployment: Unlimited activation allowed, with a cap of 385 kilojoules per lap.
Tire Strategy
Firestone provides five sets of primary (hard) and five sets of alternate (soft) tires for the weekend. Teams fielding rookie drivers receive an additional primary set for the first practice. Strategic tire management, especially the mandatory use of both compounds for at least two laps in the race, could play a decisive role.
Drivers to Watch
Scott Dixon’s Quest for Victory
Scott Dixon remains a standout despite never securing a win at Barber. His extraordinary record includes nine podium finishes in 14 starts, with six runner-up results. Dixon, always a threat, aims to finally top the podium.
Team Penske’s Dominance
Team Penske historically excels at Barber, capturing eight victories, with Scott McLaughlin claiming back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. Teammates Josef Newgarden and Will Power also boast impressive Barber resumes. Newgarden holds three victories, while Power has two wins and four pole positions at the track.
Championship Implications
Kyle Kirkwood disrupted Alex Palou’s early-season dominance at Long Beach and sits second, trailing Palou by 34 points. With over 150 points available across the upcoming races at Barber, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, and the Indianapolis 500, this weekend will significantly impact the championship standings.
Notable Competitors and Records
Barber Motorsports Park will host several former winners, each poised to contend:
- Josef Newgarden: Victories in 2015, 2017, and 2018
- Will Power: Wins in 2011 and 2012, and four-time pole winner
- Scott McLaughlin: Victories in 2023 and 2024
- Pato O’Ward: Winner in 2022
- Alex Palou: Winner in 2021
Additionally, six drivers have historically won from pole position at this event, underscoring the importance of qualifying performance.
Experience and Milestones
Three drivers—Scott Dixon, Will Power, and Graham Rahal—have participated in every INDYCAR race held at Barber Motorsports Park, bringing significant track knowledge and experience. This weekend, Felix Rosenqvist aims to start his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, while Scott Dixon targets his 343rd consecutive start, further cementing his legacy.
Weekend Schedule Highlights
Fans can anticipate intense sessions across three days, including:
- Friday, May 2: INDYCAR SERIES practice from 2:35 – 3:55 p.m. (split group format).
- Saturday, May 3: INDYCAR SERIES practice from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., followed by a three-round knockout qualifying session from 1:35 – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4: Race warmup from 9:02 – 9:27 a.m., with the race broadcast beginning at 12:30 p.m. Drivers will start engines at 12:40 p.m., with the green flag set for 12:47 p.m.
TV and Radio Coverage
FOX Sports delivers extensive live coverage, including qualifying and the race itself. Will Buxton anchors play-by-play, with Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe providing expert analysis. Pit reporting will feature Georgia Henneberry, Kevin Lee, and Jack Harvey. For radio listeners, Mark Jaynes leads the INDYCAR Radio Network, alongside analyst Davey Hamilton, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
Final Thoughts
With championship points, personal milestones, and the prestige of victory at the demanding Barber Motorsports Park all at stake, the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix promises thrilling battles and unforgettable moments. Fans and teams alike eagerly anticipate what promises to be a defining weekend of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
