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33 engines will roar to life on Sunday, May 26 for the 108th running of the Indy 500. You’ll see the greatest spectacle in racing but what you won’t see…politics. Despite its proximity to the 2024 presidential election, there’ll be no political ads on the cars.
One team wanted to feature Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy on their car, but IndyCar said no. They don’t allow political sponsorships. One entry to the race requested to have Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy on its livery for the race but the request was denied.
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According to Racer, the entry would have promoted both candidates on the same car despite the obvious ideological differences that come with supporting two different options.
Trump’s History with IndyCar
Last month, Trump was supposed to be part of a race broadcast but got cut out before it aired. Thirteen years ago, Trump was set to be the pace car driver for the Indy 500, but they chose AJ Foyt instead. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. isn’t linked to IndyCar, but he did appear on Danica Patrick’s podcast.
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NASCAR has permitted presidential candidates to be promoted directly before. For instance, Go FAS Racing had a Trump car before the 2020 election, but it was sponsored by a political action committee, not the campaign itself.
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An IndyCar spokesman stated, “IndyCar does not approve sponsorships associated with elected officials, candidates for political office or political action committees.” IndyCar doesn’t want politics in the mix. They’ve made it clear: no political branding on the cars. They want to keep the focus on racing.
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Last year’s race drew 300,000 fans. Josef Newgarden won. This year’s race promises more excitement, with NASCAR’s Kyle Larson expected to compete.
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