RECORD-SETTING 128 DRIVERS ON PRI HOOSIER 500 ENTRY LIST

INDIANAPOLIS – The field is set for the fifth running of the PRI Hoosier 500, and history has already been made before the green flag drops. A record 128 drivers have filed entries for this year’s event, shattering the previous mark of 114 set in 2020 and reaffirming the Hoosier 500’s status as the crown jewel of open-wheel sim racing on iRacing.

The 2025 entry list features arguably the most talented and diverse roster in the event’s history — including two former race winners, one former pole sitter, and six drivers who have won the top-split iRacing Indianapolis 500.

CLICK HERE: 2025 PRI HOOSIER 500 MILE RACE ENTRY LIST

Headlining the roster are defending race winner Phil Kraus and two-time champion Hugo Olsson (2020, 2022), both returning in pursuit of another winner’s milk bottle. Robert Maleczka will be in the mix as well, who finished runner-up to Kraus last year at the “500”.

The field also includes 10 drivers who competed in the INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series last fall — Kraus, Maleczka, Joshua Chin, Jacob Oster, Adam Crane, Jason Brophy, Brendan Lichtenberg, Jeff Drake, Brandon Traino, and Kevin Birrell — a lineup that collectively amassed four race victories (two each for Kraus and Maleczka) and nine podium finishes during the 2024 season.

Among the 128 entrants, 34 drivers are returning veterans, representing 44.7 percent of all past Hoosier 500 starters. The remaining 94 competitors will look to qualify for the race for the first time, each eligible for the Screenmobile Rookie of the Year award.

This year’s field also showcases the international appeal of the Hoosier 500, with drivers representing 16 countries — the second-most in race history. Nations include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The grid also features six drivers who have reached the pinnacle of iRacing’s open-wheel competition, having each won the prestigious top-split iRacing Indianapolis 500 Saturday race: Kraus (2025), Maleczka (2024), Christian Steele (2022), Brandon Traino (2019-2021), Chin (2018), and Matt Pawelski (2016).

Several high-profile competitors make their Hoosier 500 debut in 2025. Matt Bussa, a regular in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, joins the grid driving for Kevin Harvick Inc. and Fiercely Forward. Real-world ARCA Menards Series driver Presley Sorah also joins the entry list, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the sim-to-real crossover.

Returning for a second appearance is Cameron Dance, who debuted in 2024 and brings experience from the iRacing World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Championships (2018–2019).

Indiana will once again be well-represented, highlighted by 10 drivers from the Sim Racing Club at Purdue University in nearby West Lafayette — a nod to the event’s deep ties to the Hoosier State. In total, 26 drivers on the entry list hail from Indiana.

Six drivers will compete as independent entrants without team affiliation: Justin Carey, Dylan Freckelton, Sim Hinds, Jonathan Bradford, A.J. Musselman, and Joshua Huffine. Freckelton and Musselman are returning veterans from past Hoosier 500s.

And while it may not influence performance, the engine-selection breakdown continues to spark friendly rivalry among constructors — 78 entries powered by Chevrolet and 50 by Honda.

With Acres Lawn Services Opening Day approaching on December 1, storylines will be in abundance as veterans and newcomers alike vie for one of 33 spots in the starting field.

The 2025 PRI Hoosier 500 will air live on the PRI Facebook and YouTube channels on Sunday, December 14. Coverage begins at 11:00 AM Eastern (U.S.) time, including a full slate of pre-race ceremonies leading to the green flag. Learn more about the PRI Hoosier 500 at TheHoosier500.com.

ABOUT THE PRI HOOSIER 500
The PRI Hoosier 500 was created in 2019 in an effort to personalize Indianapolis’ Memorial Day classic into a virtual “500” for sim racing competitors – complete with authenticity that positions the event firmly as the World’s Greatest Sim Race. The goal of the event is to present racers with the closest experience possible to what drivers in open-wheel racing enjoy each May. The PRI Hoosier 500 is owned and operated by Indiana residents Ryan Schuld and Tanner Watkins, who are dedicated to elevating the event in the sim racing industry.

ABOUT PERFORMANCE RACING INDUSTRY
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