IndyCar is an open-wheel championship that races on road courses, temporary street circuits and ovals. That mix requires drivers and teams to adapt to very different racing conditions across a season. The Indianapolis 500 is its best-known event, alongside a wider calendar of races with their own distinct challenges.
Weekends include practice, qualifying and racing, but there is no single qualifying format for every venue. Road and street circuits use a different approach from ovals, while the Indianapolis 500 has its own procedures. The event timetable is the best starting point for understanding which sessions belong to a particular round.
Races combine close on-track battles with decisions about fuel, tyres and pit stops. A caution can change the value of a strategy, and cars on different stop schedules may temporarily appear out of position. Following those decisions alongside the gaps between drivers helps explain how a race is developing.