Community Initiatives

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway works tirelessly to create a positive impact on the City of Indianapolis for the present and future by leveraging the excitement, tradition and pageantry of the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event to help those who help others. IMS is proud to work on many initiatives that promote improved health, education, quality of life and more amongst our fellow Hoosiers.

While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway proudly supports many organizations within our community, we also take pride in giving back. Each year, IMS and its employees collect donations, both monetary and in-kind, to assist United Way in their goal of strengthening communities across the world.

Being that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts events on two of the most patriotic holidays in America, we’re serious about honoring and celebrating our brave men and women at home and abroad. IMS works with Wish For Our Heroes to give race tickets to military members for each event at the Racing Capital of the World, including the Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge on Memorial Day weekend and the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line on July Fourth weekend.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR have a strong, proud partnership with the American Red Cross as they strive to end human suffering in the face of emergencies. To assist in their mission, blood drives are hosted at most INDYCAR tracks throughout the season. Biggest of all, the American Red Cross and NTT IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe partner for a day-long blood drive in May at IMS.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a proud supporter of Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, one of the top pediatric research hospitals in the nation, and its fundraising arm, the Riley Children’s Foundation, as they provide world-class pediatric care. Each May, IMS hosts the Indy 500 Party in the Child Life Zone at Riley Hospital, where several drivers entered in the Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge spend the evening visiting with children.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and long-time partner the Indianapolis Children’s Museum came together for the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, which teaches kids the importance of health and fitness. IMS sponsors the Pedal Car Racetrack Experience where kids can channel their inner four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt and race pedal cars around a track designed after our famed 2.5-mile oval (Pagoda included)! Children learn safety tips, how to make sure safety gear fits and the rules of the road.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s support of The Humane Society of Indianapolis dates to former Hulman & Company and IMS Chairman of the Board Emeritus Mari Hulman George, who was very passionate about animal care. Each year, IMS hosts “The Greatest Spectacle in Dog Walking,” the IndyHumane Mutt Strut. Supporters from across the state gather at IMS to walk the historic 2.5-mile racetrack with their pups and enjoy music, vendors, food and activities all while raising money for the Humane Society of Indianapolis.

As a massive facility that hosts the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event, safety is of the utmost importance to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With that, we rely on every public safety agency to ensure that our fans have the safest and most fun experience at the Racing Capital of the World. We have a great appreciation for those who take care of us, and we work to honor their commitment to a safe environment as much as possible, including offering free admission during the Month of May on a day that honors their service.

Each year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway partners with the Indiana University Health Foundation to host their marquee event: Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank, which raises money for the IU Health Foundation. The event attracts thousands of guests who enjoy INDYCAR-themed food from several Indianapolis restaurants and chefs, as well as entertainment.

The 500 Festival works with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on several youth educational programs that teach kids about the importance of health & nutrition, education, safety and the STEM field as it relates to INDYCAR. Each year, many schools take part in the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program through Mobile Trips, which are conducted at their school, or a Study Trip to the Speedway at no cost to the schools. During these visits, students are taught through interactive, hands-on lessons.

How do you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is operated by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, a not-for-profit entity. The Museum is an educational tool that teaches about racing legends and artifacts that have had a significant impact on IMS. The Museum staff works to educate fans about the significance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its longstanding history.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway proudly supports the Indiana Sports Corp. with many programs, including the Pathfinder Award. Each year, the Pathfinder Award is given to individuals who are committed to improving the lives of young Americans. In 2019, the award was given to five-time Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard winner Jeff Gordon. Funds from this event help the Indiana Sports Corp. in its mission of hosting world-class sporting events in Indianapolis that will have a substantial positive impact on our community.