| 1979 CART season | |
|---|---|
| SCCA/CART Indy Car Series | |
.svg){kind=logo} 1979 IndyCar season | |
| Season | |
| Races | 14 |
| Start date | March 11 |
| End date | October 20 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |  Rick Mears |
| Constructors' Cup | Penske PC-6 Penske PC-7 |
| Manufacturers' Cup |  Cosworth DFX |
| Nations' Cup | United States |
| Rookie of the Year | Bill Alsup |
| Indianapolis 500 winner | Rick Mears |
The 1979 SCCA/CART Indy Car Series was the inaugural Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) American open wheel racing championship series. The season consisted of 14 races. Rick Mears was the national champion, and the rookie of the year was Bill Alsup. The 1979 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Rick Mears won the Indy 500, his first of four victories in the event.