| 1988 CART season | |
|---|---|
| PPG Indy Car World Series | |
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| Season | |
| Races | 16 |
| Start date | April 10 |
| End date | November 6 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |  Danny Sullivan |
| Constructors' Cup |  Lola |
| Manufacturers' Cup | Chevrolet |
| Nations' Cup | United States |
| Rookie of the Year |  John Jones |
| Indianapolis 500 winner | Rick Mears |
The 1988 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 10th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART. The season consisted of 15 races, and one non-points exhibition event. Danny Sullivan was the national champion, winning for Team Penske. The rookie of the year was John Jones. The 1988 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Rick Mears won the Indy 500, his third victory at Indy.
The 1988 season was the breakout year for the Ilmor Chevrolet Indy V-8 engine. After being introduced in 1986, and earning its first victory in 1987, the Ilmor Chevy dominated the series in 1988, and established itself as the best powerplant on the circuit. Chevy won 14 of the 15 races, and all 15 pole positions. Along the way, the Ilmor Chevy earned its first victory at Indianapolis in 1988, with Rick Mears winning from the pole.