Political branding on the cars racing in the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been prohibited by the IndyCar Series.
This decision follows at least one request for an entry in Sunday’s race that aimed to promote former President Donald Trump and independent hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to a report.
“IndyCar does not approve sponsorships associated with elected officials, candidates for political office, or political action committees,” an IndyCar spokesperson cited in the report stated.
Details about who requested the branding and which team received the request have not been confirmed.
Recognized as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” more than 330,000 people attended the 2023 running of the Indy 500, drawing an average of 4.94 million viewers.
This year’s race is expected to attract similar or better numbers, with a grid full of talent including New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin in pole position ahead of former champions Will Power and Josef Newgarden, who occupy the second and third spots on the grid, respectively.
All three are drivers for Team Penske.
The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and American Idol winner and actress Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem. The race will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock.
