1981 PPG Indy Car World Series Schedule
| Race | Type | Country | Date (ET) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraco Car Stereo 200 Phoenix Raceway |
Oval |  |
March 22 |
J. Rutherford |
| Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis |
Oval | |
May 24 |
B. Unser |
| Gould-Rex Mays 150 Milwaukee Mile |
Oval | |
June 7 |
M. Mosley |
| Kraco Twin 125 (Race 1) Atlanta Motor Speedway |
Oval | |
June 21 |
R. Mears |
| Kraco Twin 125 (Race 2) Atlanta Motor Speedway |
Oval | |
June 21 |
R. Mears |
| Norton Michigan 500 Michigan International Raceway |
Oval | |
July 25 |
P. Carter |
| Los Angeles Times 500 Riverside International Raceway |
Roadcourse | |
August 30 |
R. Mears |
| Tony Bettenhausen 200 Milwaukee Mile |
Oval | |
September 5 |
T. Sneva |
| Detroit News Grand Prix Michigan International Raceway |
Oval | |
September 20 |
R. Mears |
| Watkins Glen 150 Watkins Glen |
Roadcourse | |
October 4 |
R. Mears |
| II Copa Mexico 150 Mexico City |
Roadcourse |  |
October 18 |
R. Mears |
| Miller High Life 150 Phoenix Raceway |
Oval | |
October 31 |
T. Sneva |