The NTT IndyCar Series announced on Thursday that American Legion has been named official charity partner to IndyCar.
American Legion are no strangers to the NTT IndyCar Series as they serve as associate sponsor to Jimmie Johnson’s No.48 Carvana American Legion Honda which is a full-time entry in the series this season.
INDYCAR and The American Legion will collaborate to promote a variety of Legion programs, including raising awareness of the growing problem of veteran suicide. 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.
One of the unique aspects of the partnership will be the creation of an INDYCAR Legion post, where veterans and veteran family members who work in motorsports are invited to join and contribute to the goals of The Legion and INDYCAR. The partnership also will be activated at physical Legion posts in various NTT INDYCAR SERIES race markets.
Speaking about the multi-year agreement, Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corporation said:
The American Legion performs an incredibly vital role for our veterans, for whose service and sacrifice we’re eternally grateful. “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.”
American Legion Chief Marketing Officer Dean Kessel said:
Partnering with INDYCAR is a no-brainer for The American Legion. “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.”