The 1996 IndyCar season was the 18th season of the American racing series. This was the last season under the IndyCar name and the first since it split from the Indy Racing League . The season consisted of 16 races. The opening race took place from March 1st to 3rd in Homestead (USA); the final was held from September 6th to 8th, 1996 in Monterey (California) (USA). The season was overshadowed by Jeff Krosnoff's fatal accident in Toronto. Jimmy Vasser won this season. Rookie of the year was Alex Zanardi .
