2012 MAVTV 500 IndyCar World Championships
The 2012 MAVTV 500 IndyCar World Championships took place on September 15, 2012 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. The race was the final round of the IndyCar Series season, running 250 laps for a total of 500 miles. Marco Andretti won the pole position, and Dario Franchitti posted the fastest race lap.
In a dramatic race, J.R. Hildebrand led early before touching the wall on lap 74. Tony Kanaan led much of the middle portion, but a long pit stop dropped him back. Alex Tagliani led late before his engine blew. Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay were the main championship contenders; Power crashed on lap 56 while fighting for the title. Hunter-Reay finished fourth and won the IndyCar Drivers’ Championship by three points over Power.
Ed Carpenter, driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, won the race on the final lap by passing Franchitti after a late restart. It was Carpenter’s second IndyCar win and his first as a team owner. Scott Dixon finished third. The race had seven cautions and included a controversial red flag near the end to ensure a green finish.
About 25,000 spectators attended. Carpenter earned $35,000 for the victory.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:35 (CET).