Tony Kanaan is set with a new look for the next month’s 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Ahead of Wednesday’s Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 47-year-old Brazilian took the covers off of his challenger that showcased colors from The American Legion. Additionally, the entry is listed as the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
The 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner was joined by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, a U.S. Navy veteran, who drove Kanaan from the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis to IMS to take part in the event.
The car is covered with the words “Be the One,” which will serve as the tagline for the nationwide awareness campaign The American Legion launching on Memorial Day weekend.
“The Governor provided me some great tips on how to drive and win,” Kanaan said. “In the past, I have driven with two ones on my car, but this year I am proud to have only one and encourage all Americans to “Be The One” to help The American Legion end veteran suicide.”
It’s not just a car. It’s a campaign. @JimmieJohnson, @TonyKanaan & Indiana @GovHolcomb unveil TK’s #Indy500 ride & The American Legion-@CGRTeams #BeTheOne campaign.@IndyCar @IMS #INDYCAR #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/udvoEarR05
— The American Legion (@AmericanLegion) April 20, 2022
Team owner Chip Ganassi added, “Creating awareness to help end veteran suicide is a cause we can all get behind. When you have that kind of purpose driving you, you fight harder to win, and we want to win for our nation’s veterans.”
This marks the second year The American Legion and CGR have joined forces for the Indianapolis 500. Next month will mark Kanaan’s 21st appearance in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
