What Is 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was an IndyCar Series race held on May 3, 2015, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Will Power won the 90-lap race driving for Team Penske, starting from pole position.

Key Facts

The race occurred on May 3, 2015, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama
Will Power claimed victory, driving for Team Penske, after starting from pole position
The race consisted of 90 laps covering a total distance of 212.3 miles
Simon Pagenaud finished second, and Tony Kanaan placed third on the podium
Barber Motorsports Park features a 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural-terrain road course

Overview

The 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was the second round of the 2015 IndyCar Series season, serving as a pivotal early-season showdown for championship contenders. Held at the scenic Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the race showcased high-speed road course racing with dramatic overtaking and strategic pit stops.

Will Power dominated the weekend, securing pole position and converting it into a race victory after 90 grueling laps. The event drew over 50,000 fans and marked the sixth consecutive year the venue hosted an IndyCar race, reinforcing its status as a premier road course on the calendar.

Will Power won the race driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for Team Penske, marking his 28th career IndyCar victory and first of the 2015 season.
The race covered 90 laps, totaling approximately 212.3 miles around the 2.3-mile, 17-turn permanent road course layout.
Simon Pagenaud finished in second place, driving for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, closing within 1.8 seconds of Power by race end.
Tony Kanaan completed the podium with a third-place finish, driving for KV Racing Technology, despite starting 12th on the grid.
The event drew an estimated 52,000 spectators over the race weekend, making it one of the most attended non-oval events of the season.

Race Format & Structure

The Indy Grand Prix of Alabama followed the standard IndyCar Series race weekend format, including practice, qualifying, and the main event, all held over three days. The structure emphasized driver skill, team strategy, and car reliability on a technically demanding circuit.

Qualifying Format: The session used a three-round knockout system. The top 12 drivers advanced from Round 1, with the final six competing for pole in Round 3.
Starting Grid: Will Power earned pole position with a lap time of 1:07.5682, edging out Simon Pagenaud by 0.137 seconds.
Race Duration: The race lasted 1 hour, 49 minutes, and 38 seconds, with an average speed of 119.8 mph due to frequent safety car periods.
Safety Cars: There were three safety car deployments, triggered by incidents involving Carlos Muñoz, Sebastian Saavedra, and Jay Howard.
Pit Strategy: Teams executed between three and four pit stops, balancing fuel conservation and tire wear on the abrasive track surface.
Weather Conditions: The race ran under clear skies with temperatures around 78°F (26°C), ideal for performance and fan attendance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama compared to other key races in the 2015 season:

Race	Date	Winner	Laps	Track Type
Indy Grand Prix of Alabama	May 3, 2015	Will Power	90	Permanent Road Course
St. Petersburg Grand Prix	March 29, 2015	Carlos Muñoz	110	Street Circuit
Indianapolis 500	May 24, 2015	Will Power	200	Oval
Texas Motor Speedway	June 6, 2015	James Hinchcliffe	248	Superspeedway Oval
GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma	August 30, 2015	Will Power	85	Road Course

The table highlights the diversity of the 2015 IndyCar Series, from street circuits to ovals and permanent road courses. The Alabama race stood out for its technical challenge and early-season championship implications, contrasting with the high-speed demands of Texas or the prestige of the Indianapolis 500.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama played a significant role in shaping the season’s narrative, influencing driver standings and team momentum. Its success also reinforced Barber Motorsports Park as a model for road course events in American open-wheel racing.

Championship Impact: Will Power’s win vaulted him into early title contention, ultimately contributing to his second-place finish in the 2015 championship.
Team Penske Dominance: The victory underscored Team Penske’s superiority, as they won 6 of 16 races that season, including the Indy 500.
Track Design Influence: Barber’s 17-turn layout became a benchmark for driver development and race strategy analysis in subsequent seasons.
Fan Engagement: The race attracted strong attendance and media coverage, boosting IndyCar’s visibility in non-traditional markets.
Safety Innovations: The event showcased improved safety protocols, including enhanced barriers and rapid response units, following prior season incidents.
Legacy: The 2015 race helped secure Barber’s long-term contract with IndyCar, ensuring continued events through 2025.

Overall, the 2015 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was more than just a race—it was a milestone in modern IndyCar history, combining competitive racing with strategic depth and fan appeal.