AllRacing

PREMA’s IndyCar program reaching a crossroads

The IndyCar Series’ newest team is at a crossroads.

RACER understands Italy’s PREMA Racing, which joined the American open-wheel championship in 2025 with all-new cars and equipment run out of a bespoke shop in central Indiana, is seeking a new source of funding to continue the program in 2026.

Reached by RACER at Milwaukee, a team representative declined to comment on the matter.

A steady drumbeat of rumors regarding the team’s long-term financial security has been present since May. Mounting questions regarding PREMA’s ability to complete the season arose during the week leading into qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 where rookie Robert Shwartzman earned a shocking pole position with the No. 83 Chevy.

The two-car team, which includes Callum Ilott in the No. 90 Chevy, made it through May and has become one of the most impressive rookie organizations in recent memory. Following Shwartzman’s pole in Indy, Ilott has taken the baton and carried PREMA to three consecutive top 10 finishes leading into this weekend’s Snap-on 250 at the Milwaukee Mile. 

Founded by Angelo Rosin, the PREMA name is synonymous with winning throughout a range of European open-wheel championships. With an interest in branching out to the U.S., Rosin’s son Rene and co-team owner Deborah Mayer launched its IndyCar effort in 2024 with the purchase of brand-new cars and equipment to match the best of what’s seen from the series’ leading teams. 

Mayer, who owns and backs the Iron Dames global endurance racing programs, is rumored to have committed more than $40,000,000 to establish PREMA’s IndyCar program and her ongoing participation as the team’s financial foundation is unclear.

Like rivals Ed Carpenter Racing, which welcomed a new co-owner and investor into its business to start the season, and Dale Coyne Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing with their ongoing search for new investors, RACER understands PREMA is pursuing new partners or collaborations to carry the program forward after the August 31 season finale at Nashville Speedway.