High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1988 IndyCar season, the tenth in the CART era of U.S. open-wheel racing, consisted of 16 races, beginning in Avondale, Arizona on April 10 and concluding in Miami, Florida on November 6. There was one non-championship event, the Marlboro Challenge. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers` Champion was Danny Sullivan and the Indianapolis 500 winner was Rick Mears. Rookie of the Year was John Jones. The 72nd Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by the USAC, but counted in the CART points standings.