While there was great parity in 2003 between Honda and Toyota powered teams, in 2004 Honda began to outshine Toyota bringing their teams Penske Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing down with it, leaving Scott Dixon winless and in 10th place in his attempt to defend his 2003 championship.

Season champion Tony Kanaan set a record by completing all 3,305 possible laps, the first IndyCar driver in modern history to do so.

This season was the last to feature an all oval tracks schedule, which was part of the concept that led to the creation of the Indy Racing League.

Top ten results This race was held at Phoenix International Raceway on March 21.

Top ten results This race was held at Twin Ring Motegi on April 17.

Top ten results This race was held at Texas Motor Speedway on June 12.

Top ten results This race was held at Pikes Peak International Raceway on August 22.

This race was memorable due to a scary crash involving Buddy Rice with 15 laps remaining as he slid down the backstretch upside down.

Adrián Fernández won the race, despite having a broken on-board pneumatic air jack.