The Indy 500 is a prestigious event, and the prize money reflects that status.
How Much the Winner Takes Home
Alex Palou, the 2025 Indy 500 winner, received $3.833 million. This came from a record $20.283 million purse. Josef Newgarden’s record of $4.288 million in 2024, included a $440,000 rollover bonus from BorgWarner as a repeat winner.
Helio Castroneves held the record at $3.048 million in 2009 until Marcus Ericsson won $3.1 million in 2022. Newgarden has since surpassed that total twice. Palou’s $3.833 million is the second largest in history.
Factors Influencing the Prize Money
The purse is funded by sponsors, television networks, and sanctioning body fees. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides the purse. The purse has increased each of the last four years: from $16 million in 2022, to $17.0215 million in 2023, to $18.456 million in 2024, to $20.283 million in 2025.
The finishing position isn’t the only factor determining the prize money. Drivers also earn money for pole position and the number of laps led.
The Costs of Competing
Since 1924, every driver in the field has received a check. However, that doesn’t guarantee a profit for every driver. The expenses to field an entry can range from at least $1 million for an established team to $2 million for a team starting from scratch.
These expenses almost always exceed the prize money a driver wins. Conor Daly said in 2018 that a top-five finish would be needed to achieve a net gain.
- The purse is not announced until after the race.
The purse is not announced until after the race.