| 1981 CART season | |
|---|---|
| PPG Indy Car World Series | |
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| Season | |
| Races | 11 |
| Start date | March 22 |
| End date | November 8 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |  Rick Mears |
| Constructors' Cup | Penske |
| Manufacturers' Cup |  Cosworth |
| Nations' Cup | United States |
| Rookie of the Year | Bob Lazier |
The 1981 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season, the third in the CART era of U.S. open-wheel racing, consisted of 11 races, beginning in Avondale, Arizona on March 22 and concluding at the same location on October 31. The PPG Indy Car World Series Drivers' Champion was Rick Mears despite missing Round 2 at Milwaukee due to injuries sustained in the Indianapolis 500. Rookie of the Year was Bob Lazier. After the disagreement with the USAC during the previous season, the 65th Indianapolis 500 was not part of the Series, however no competing race was scheduled and most CART teams and drivers did take part.