The American Legion has been announced as the Official Charity Partner of IndyCar and the NTT IndyCar Series.
A multi-year agreement will see the nation’s largest veterans service organization with nearly two million members collaborate with the series to promote various programs, including raising awareness of the growing problem of veteran suicide.
Per the release, “Programs at the track will include patriotic displays, flag raising and lowering ceremonies, giveaways and public address announcements, while both groups will cross-promote on social media and through constituent communications and advertising.” Additionally, the partnership will see the creation of an IndyCar Legion post, a site where veterans and veteran family members who work in motorsports are invited to join and contribute to the goals of The Legion and IndyCar. There will also be activation at physical Legion posts in the several of IndyCar’s race markets.
“The American Legion performs an incredibly vital role for our veterans, for whose service and sacrifice we’re eternally grateful,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., which owns INDYCAR and the NTT IndyCar Series. “This partnership will help to accelerate The Legion’s goals through various promotions, and we hope Legionnaires everywhere will join our team and follow our exciting series with its bold, hyper-competitive drivers and precise teamwork.”
The partnership is a increased involvement by The American Legion in North America’s premier open-wheel championship, which began with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021.
Currently, The Legion is a major associate sponsor of the No. 48 Carvana/American Legion Honda piloted by Jimmie Johnson, and will also serve as the primary sponsor for Tony Kanaan at this year’s 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29. The sponsorship will also rotate with “some” of the other CGR drivers.
“Partnering with INDYCAR is a no-brainer for The American Legion,” said American Legion Chief Marketing Officer Dean Kessel. “For 103 years, Indianapolis has been the host city of our national headquarters. It is also the home of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’
“Pairing these two legendary institutions makes sense on so many levels. This partnership enables us to tell the story of how American Legion posts strengthen communities across the country. Race fans are patriotic. Like Legionnaires, they believe in supporting veterans and their families. The bottom line is that this partnership makes both The American Legion and IndyCar even stronger.”
