IndyCar Series prohibits political branding on Indianapolis 500 cars

Political branding on the cars racing in the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been banned by the IndyCar Series.

The move comes after at least one request made to an entry in Sunday’s race that would have promoted 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 said.

Who requested the branding and what team received the request have not been confirmed.

Widely recognized as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” over 330,000 people attended the 2023 running of the Indy 500, and it drew an average of 4.94 million viewers.

This year’s race is anticipated to draw similar if not better numbers, and the grid is packed with talent, including New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin in pole position ahead of former champions Will Power and Josef Newgarden, who sit at two and three, respectfully, on the grid.

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All three are drivers for Team Penske.

The green flag falls 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.