IMS To Release Miniseries Documenting Historic Repave 

thepitwindow

From IMS:

 ‘Behind the Bricks’ Special To Air Dec. 8-11

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025) – Indianapolis Motor Speedway captivated the racing world on social media Sept. 23 with a series of viral posts highlighting a historic repave project that uncovered the Speedway’s iconic brick racing surface and the original crushed stone-and-tar track surface.
Now, IMS is releasing a four-part miniseries documenting the project as part of its flagship “Behind the Bricks” program beginning Monday, Dec. 8. A new episode will be released daily through Thursday, Dec. 11. A full-length documentary with additional interviews and footage will be released Friday, Dec. 12. Each episode can be seen on IMS social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.
Fittingly, the release coincides with the time when the original brick paving project was completed in 1909.
A trailer teasing the upcoming series was released today on IMS social media channels.
The series features stunning footage not just of the repave project but the uncovering of the brick racing surface and the jaw-dropping discovery of the crushed stone-and-tar surface that takes fans back to the beginning of the Racing Capital of the World in 1909. It includes interviews with project experts and former IMS Historian Donald Davidson.
“It’s not often that we get to really see the full history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in front of our eyes,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “What started as a project to fix a bump in Turn 2 turned into a historic, and at times, overwhelming exploration that uncovered aspects of his racetrack that have not seen the light of day, literally, in over 116 years. I can’t wait for our fans to see it all unfold on ‘Behind the Bricks.’”
IMS was originally paved in spring 1909 with a surface consisting of crushed stone and tar. Track conditions proved to be treacherous that summer, and in fall 1909 the surface was paved with 3.2 million bricks, giving it the nickname “The Brickyard.” The paving project was completed in early December, and the track surface was dedicated by future United States Vice President, then-Indiana Gov. Thomas Marshall on Dec. 17.
One of the endearing traits of IMS has been the brick surface tucked underneath the modern-day asphalt racing surface. In 1937, all four turns of the 2.5-mile oval were paved before that year’s Indianapolis 500, officially covering the bricks that were uncovered in 2025. Additional track paving projects took place in 1938, 1939, 1961, 1976, 1988, 1995 and 2004, placing the brick surface approximately 7 inches below the current racing surface.
However, the freeze and thaw of Indiana winters allowed the bricks below the surface to move and expand, presenting as bumps in the current racing surface at the exit of Turn 2. IMS grinded the bumps to keep the track surface smooth for years, but a lasting solution was needed. So, in September, IMS milled the racing surface and removed bricks in the areas that were creating the problem. IMS will keep the excavated bricks for preservation.
A block of crushed stone and tar removed during the process is on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
As “Behind the Bricks” documents, a new layer of asphalt was placed in the 100-foot section of racing surface that spans the width of the track and was diamond-grinded to match the existing track surface texture. Defending Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Alex Palou and two-time race winner Takuma Sato tested the repaved surface Oct. 21. Both drivers gave the new surface positive reviews.
“It’s a little bit smoother, which I think is going to be a huge gain for the race, especially when we’re following cars,” said Palou, the four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. “It’s great. I cannot wait to go racing.”
Tickets for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale now at IMS.com. 

Good Ranchers Named Title Sponsor of NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race at Phoenix Raceway 

thepitwindow

From IndyCar:

 The Fastest-Growing Meat Delivery Company in the U.S. Partners
with the Fastest Racing On Earth For Exhilarating Return to Historic Track

AVONDALE, Ariz. (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025) – Good Ranchers, an American meat company, INDYCAR and Phoenix Raceway announced a new title partnership for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ race scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway marks INDYCAR’s return to the thrilling and high-speed one-mile oval for the first time since 2018.
The INDYCAR SERIES race is part of a buzzworthy weekend alongside NASCAR, providing a joint showcase of North American racing in partnership with FOX.
“We’re excited to welcome Good Ranchers as the entitlement sponsor of our upcoming INDYCAR race,” Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey said. “Their commitment to giving back and serving our veterans really resonates with our community and our fans. It shows that Good Ranchers brings the same heart and purpose to their work that our race weekends bring to the Valley, and we’re proud to partner with them for an unforgettable and historic event.”
Since being founded in 2018, Good Ranchers has become the fastest-growing meat delivery company in America by committing to one purpose: to only source meat that’s born and raised in America. Good Ranchers works with local farms and ranches across the U.S. to deliver high-quality beef, chicken, pork and wild-caught seafood to homes nationwide. But the company’s dedication to strengthening America extends beyond the food industry. Good Ranchers also partners with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), supporting programs that provide vital care, advocacy, and long-term resources for Veterans living with spinal cord injuries.
“At Good Ranchers, we’re driven by a purpose to support America, and that commitment has shaped every part of our story,” Good Ranchers founder and CEO Ben Spell said. “As an American-born racing tradition built on hard work and a relentless drive to push forward, INDYCAR embodies that same spirit. Together, we’re fueling American families on and off the track.”
The INDYCAR SERIES first raced at Phoenix in 1964. Past winners include a legendary list of champions such as A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Al Unser, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Bobby Rahal, Rick Mears, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden. Dixon and Newgarden join four-time and defending NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou and INDYCAR fan-favorite Pato O’Ward to headline a fast and determined field of 27 ready for Phoenix’ return to the schedule.The Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway is the second round of the 17-race 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.
In preparation for the series’ return, an INDYCAR Open Test for all teams has been scheduled at the track for Tuesday-Wednesday Feb. 17-18.
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener is scheduled for Sunday, March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. For the second consecutive year, FOX will air all races for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the only premium motorsports series in North America with all races airing on broadcast television. Start times for the 2026 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

Juncos Hollinger Racing Finalizes 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Lineup with Sting Ray Robb

thepitwindow

From Juncos Hollinger Racing:

Speedway, Indiana – December 2, 2025 – Juncos Hollinger Racing today confirmed that Sting Ray Robb will continue with the team for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, completing a driver lineup designed to strengthen the organization’s competitive platform and accelerate its push up the grid.Robb’s second consecutive year with the team reinforces Juncos Hollinger Racing’s continuity, advancement, and focused development, contributing to a strengthened competitive foundation as it builds on the meaningful progress made throughout 2025. His return supports a roster that blends experience, momentum, and clear ambition for the season ahead.
The 23-year-old reunited with Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2025 – five years after the two captured the 2020 Indy Pro Championship together. His professionalism, technical feedback, and determination quickly reestablished him as a central contributor to the team’s ongoing performance gains, helping deliver increased consistency and pace during the past season.
As Juncos Hollinger Racing continues to expand its technical capabilities – bolstered by world-class leadership, an increasingly sophisticated engineering group, and strengthened operational processes – the pairing of Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb positions the team to elevate its competitive trajectory in 2026. Robb’s familiarity with the JHR program complements VeeKay’s experience and together they strengthen the team’s overall base. 
Robb expressed confidence in the program’s direction and enthusiasm for building on the platform established throughout the 2025 season.
“This season is massive for me and I’m embracing it fully. It’s my first opportunity to run with the same team for a second season and I’m ready for what it demands,” Sting Ray stated. “What’s key for me is the continuity – working with the established team people and the newer faces we all trust, with everyone focused on elevating across all areas. Having Dave’s experience at the helm has been huge. You can feel the way his racing pedigree shapes our processes, the way he leads the room, and the overall professionalism. Pair that with the insight from Adam Carroll and the six seasons of experience Rinus brings as a teammate, and it feels like the whole operation is headed in the right direction.  I’m excited to have Rinus as a teammate – we’re aligned, we’re hungry, and we’re ready to fight towards the front together.”
Robb’s continuation is the perfect addition to the recent signing of Rinus VeeKay, forming a pairing built around experience, development, and competitive ambition. Together, the two drivers underscore the team’s commitment to becoming a stronger presence in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Dave O’Neill, Team Principal of Juncos Hollinger Racing, commented: “Sting Ray is a key pillar in the structure we’re building for 2026. His commitment and approach match the ambition driving this team forward. We took meaningful steps this year, but we know there’s far more potential to unlock – and 2026 is our chance to convert that progress into real performance gains. With the continuity Sting Ray provides, combined with the pace, experience, and race-winning pedigree Rinus brings, we believe this lineup gives us the firepower to move up the order quickly.” 
As preparations intensify for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Robb will continue participating in the team’s offseason testing and development program. The 2026 season begins on March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
For more information, visit juncoshollinger.com or follow @juncoshollinger across social platforms.

Catching Up and a Grid Update

thepitwindow

I am back. The last two months have been an adventure. Two trips to Winter Headquarters with a brief hospital stay in between left little time to do much else. Winter Headquarters is now permanently closed, and I survived the hospital.

Here is an update on the 2026 grid. Dale Coyne has yet to announce the driver of his second car. Sting Ray Robb has not officially been confirmed for the second Juncos Hollinger seat. Prema has signed drivers, but I don’t know if they will return. If they do, it will most likely be in a different form.

The lineup as of today:

Team Penske

Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, David Malukas

Chip Ganassi Racing

Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Kyffin Simpson

Andretti Global

Kyle Kirkwood, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson

Arrow McLaren

Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, Nolan Siegel

Ed Carpenter Racing

Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen

Meyer Shank Racing

Felix Rosenqvist, Marcus Armstrong

A. J. Foyt Racing

Caio Collet (R), Santino Ferrucci

Rahal Letterman Racing

Graham Rahal, Louis Foster, Mick Schumacher (R)

Juncos Hollinger Racing

Rinus VeeKay, Sting Ray Robb*

Dale Coyne Racing

Dennis Hauger (R), TBD

Prema Racing*

Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman

R- rookie

  • Unconfirmed

Mick Schumacher Signs with RLL

thepitwindow

Editor’s Note: I just got back to Indy from Florida, where I am closing Winter Headquarters. Mick is a great addition to the grid.

The story is from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (November 24, 2025) – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Mick Schumacher, 26, will compete for the team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2026. The son of legendary seven-time Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher, brings with him an impressive resume that includes 43 Formula One starts and a best finish of sixth place, along with three podiums in WEC competition. Sponsorship details will be announced at a later date.

While Schumacher is no stranger to racing on road and street courses, he will add oval racing to his resume in 2026 as six of the 17 races in the 2026 INDYCAR SERIES will take place on an oval or superspeedway, including the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. RLL is in the process of planning an oval test for Schumacher in the near future.

The Swiss-born driver will compete in the No. 47 Honda-powered entry and completes the team’s 2026 full-season lineup alongside Graham Rahal and 2025 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, Louis Foster. The number 47 carries symbolic meaning for Schumacher as it is a nod to his father and his family.

Schumacher most recently competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024 and 2025 for Alpine and is switching his focus to INDYCAR for 2026. On October 13, he completed an INDYCAR test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) road course, impressing the team with his pace, adaptability and technical feedback — an experience that further fueled his desire to return to open-wheel racing.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing competition, featuring stars from across the globe competing at speeds faster than 370 kph (230 mph). Along with hosting the world-famous Indianapolis 500, the series boasts a mix of oval, temporary street circuit and permanent road course races across North America. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is sanctioned by INDYCAR, the governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel racing series and part of the Penske Entertainment family.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1. The 17-race schedule includes new venues in Arlington, Texas and Markham, Ontario, Canada. For more information about the series or team, visit www.indycar.com and http://www.rahal.com.

QUOTEBOARD:

MICK SCHUMACHER: “I am delighted to confirm today that I will be competing in the INDYCAR SERIES next year with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, taking part in the full season. Having both an F1 and an endurance background, and having competed in various racing series over the years, I have insights and knowledge that I am sure will contribute to a great partnership. RLL prepared me extremely well during testing already, and I am sure that we can build a lot together.

“I was also immediately excited about the car and the American way of motorsport which comes across as being more about pure and direct racing, and it is precisely this aspect that I am very much looking forward to. And of course, I am curious about new experiences and always interested in broadening my horizons. For me, a new journey is beginning here, and I am excited for the season to start.”

BOBBY RAHAL, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “I think I speak for everyone at RLL when I say how thrilled we are to welcome Mick to the team and to INDYCAR. His test with us on the IMS road course was exceptional – he impressed every single team member. Everyone walked away from that event determined to do what we could to bring Mick into our program. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to join us, and we can’t wait to get to work.”

DAVID LETTERMAN, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “I’m delighted to welcome Mick Schumacher to the RLL family — a young man who has competed against some of the world greatest racers. With Graham Rahal, Louis Foster and now Mick, the future for RLL is limitless. I’m very excited for the 2026 season. Still waiting for my seat fitting.” 

MIKE LANIGAN, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “What a great addition to our team!

Mick has the skills and experience that will help enhance our overall competitiveness in one of the most competitive racing series in the world. Welcome aboard Mick!”

JAY FRYE, President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “Opportunities like this are rare, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everything come together. Mick is an exceptional talent on the track and an outstanding young man off of it. We are very proud to have Mick as part of the RLL family.”

About Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher, 26, was born and raised in Switzerland and is the son of seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion Michael Schumacher and his equestrian wife Corinna, as well as the nephew of former Formula One driver Ralf.

Initially competing under the pseudonyms Mick Betsch and Mick Junior, Schumacher finished runner-up to Enaam Ahmed at the junior direct-drive Karting World Championship and Karting European Championship in 2014. Graduating to junior formula in 2015, Schumacher finished runner-up in both ADAC F4 and Italian F4 in 2016. After finishing third in the MRF Challenge Championship in 2016-2017, Schumacher moved to FIA European Formula 3, winning the championship with Prema in 2018. Progressing to FIA Formula 2 for 2019, Schumacher won the title in 2020 with Prema.

He became a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019, and went on to participate in rookie testing for Alfa Romeo and Haas in F1 in 2020, before he signed with the latter as a full-time driver in 2021. He made his Formula One debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix alongside Nikita Mazepin, but Haas failed to score points during the season with the VF-21, with Schumacher earning a season-best finish of 12th in Hungary.

In 2022, Schumacher teamed with Kevin Magnussen and scored his maiden points finish at the British Grand Prix with eighth place, followed by a career-best sixth at the Austrian Grand Prix. He was also the official reserve driver for Ferrari in 2022. For 2023 and 2024, he served as a reserve driver for Mercedes, which included serving in the same capacity for McLaren and Williams. In 2024, he moved to the FIA World Endurance with Alpine and achieved his first podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji. In 2025, he earned podium finishes in WEC at the 6 Hours of Imola and Spa-Francorchamps.

Letterman Lanigan Racing: “I’m delighted to welcome Mick Schumacher to the RLL family — a young man who has competed against some of the world greatest racers. With Graham Rahal, Louis Foster and now Mick, the future for RLL is limitless. I’m very excited for the 2026 season. Still waiting for my seat fitting.” MIKE LANIGAN, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “What a great addition to our team!Mick has the skills and experience that will help enhance our overall competitiveness in one of the most competitive racing series in the world. Welcome aboard Mick!”JAY FRYE, President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “Opportunities like this are rare, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everything come together. Mick is an exceptional talent on the track and an outstanding young man off of it. We are very proud to have Mick as part of the RLL family.”

About Mick SchumacherMick Schumacher, 26, was born and raised in Switzerland and is the son of seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion Michael Schumacher and his equestrian wife Corinna, as well as the nephew of former Formula One driver Ralf.

Initially competing under the pseudonyms Mick Betsch and Mick Junior, Schumacher finished runner-up to Enaam Ahmed at the junior direct-drive Karting World Championship and Karting European Championship in 2014.

Graduating to junior formula in 2015, Schumacher finished runner-up in both ADAC F4 and Italian F4 in 2016. After finishing third in the MRF Challenge Championship in 2016-2017, Schumacher moved to FIA European Formula 3, winning the championship with Prema in 2018.

Progressing to FIA Formula 2 for 2019, Schumacher won the title in 2020 with Prema.He became a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019, and went on to participate in rookie testing for Alfa Romeo and Haas in F1 in 2020, before he signed with the latter as a full-time driver in 2021.

He made his Formula One debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix alongside Nikita Mazepin, but Haas failed to score points during the season with the VF-21, with Schumacher earning a season-best finish of 12th in Hungary.In 2022, Schumacher teamed with Kevin Magnussen and scored his maiden points finish at the British Grand Prix with eighth place, followed by a career-best sixth at the Austrian Grand Prix.

He was also the official reserve driver for Ferrari in 2022. For 2023 and 2024, he served as a reserve driver for Mercedes, which included serving in the same capacity for McLaren and Williams. In 2024, he moved to the FIA World Endurance with Alpine and achieved his first podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji. In 2025, he earned podium finishes in WEC at the 6 Hours of Imola and Spa-Francorchamps.

Indy 500 Winner Palou Unveils Image on Borg-Warner Trophy

thepitwindow

Editor’s Note: I apologize for being mostly absent the past two months. I had a brief hospital stay and I have made two trips to Florida to get winter headquarters ready to go on the market. I am currently in Florida, and will head home Saturday, hopefully for a longer stay.

From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025) – 2025 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Alex Palou unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy on Nov. 19 in Indianapolis, one of the most significant honors since he earned his first Indy 500 victory May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Palou, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, earned the first oval victory of his career and became the first Spaniard to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He passed Marcus Ericsson on Lap 187 and never trailed thereafter, earning Chip Ganassi Racing’s sixth Indy 500 victory.
The unveiling took place at The Above Event Center at Commission Row. Located in downtown Indianapolis, it is part of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Complex known as Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Following the unveil, Palou attended the Indiana Pacers’ game with the Borg-Warner Trophy. It was a full-circle moment as he also attended an Indiana Pacers’ playoff game following his Indy 500 win.
The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Palou is the 112th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.
“This is one of those days that I knew I wanted to be part of at some point in my career,” Palou said.
“I knew it was going take a lot of work, and finally to be here and to get to see the trophy for the first time, it’s amazing.
“I know that it’s always going to be there forever, if I race one more year or if I race 50 more years. And whatever the history of INDYCAR is going to be, it’s always going to be there. So, it’s great to be part of all those amazing drivers. And, yeah, I feel that now. I want to get that face again on that trophy. Try and be part again of the history of our sport.”
Renowned sculptor Will Behrends created Palou’s image, as he has for every winner since 1990.Behrends begins his creative process by studying a series of 360-degree photos of the winner to get a baseline for sculpting. Palou then visited Behrends’ studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session where Behrends constructed a full-scale clay model of the driver’s face.This life-size clay version is used as reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before adhering it to the trophy.
“I’m honored to continue one of the greatest traditions in all of sports and unveil the latest addition to the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy at this beautiful venue,” said Michelle Collins, global director, Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner.
“Alex’s victory exemplifies that tenacity and constant commitment to excellence will result in success, on and off the track. On behalf of everyone at BorgWarner, congratulations to Alex and the team at Chip Ganassi Racing.”
Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy measures over 5 feet, 4-3/4 inches tall and weighs more than 110 pounds as it carries the sculpted face of every victor since 1911 and of former IMS owner Tony Hulman.
Early next year, Palou will receive his BorgWarner Championships Driver’s Trophy, also known as a “Baby Borg,” a miniature replica of the large-scale Borg-Warner Trophy.
Tickets for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com. 

Arow McLaren Signs Hunter-Reay for Fourth Indianapolis 500 Entry

thepitwindow

2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will join Arrow McLaren Racing the 110th running of the 500. Hunter-Reay will drive car number 31.

The signing is a great one for the team, adding experience and expertise to a group just on the verge of Indy success that just a little extra boost.

The news release frorm Arrow McLaren:

“I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership”- Ryan Hunter-Reay

Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2012 INDYCAR SERIES Champion, will join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, completing the team’s four-car lineup for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  

Ryan joins the team with a wealth of experience and a proven championship pedigree, having made 395 INDYCAR SERIES starts over 21 seasons, earning 18 victories and 47 podium finishes. His storied open-wheel career is highlighted by success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he will attempt to qualify for his 18th Indy 500 in May. The veteran will be one of five active drivers competing who boast an INDYCAR SERIES Championship and an Indy 500 victory alongside Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou and Will Power.

Arrow McLaren continues its tradition of running an additional distinguished driver in the iconic 500-mile race. In past years, two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso (2017, 2020), two-time Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya (2021, 2022), 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan (2023) and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson (2024, 2025) have all raced in papaya in the Indy 500 as one-off entries for the team. Ryan will join Arrow McLaren’s full-time lineup of Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard at the IMS during the Month of May in 2026.

Palou To Unveil Image on Borg-Warner Trophy Nov. 19 in Indianapolis

thepitwindow

From IMS:

 Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, winner of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, will unveil his likeness on the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in downtown Indianapolis.
The event takes place from 4-6 p.m. ET at The Above Event Center at Commission Row, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. in Indianapolis. The trophy unveiling is scheduled for approximately 5:15 p.m.
Palou, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations for BorgWarner Michelle Collins and INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will be available for interviews following the unveil.
After the event concludes, Palou and the Borg-Warner Trophy will make their way to the Indiana Pacers’ game at Gainbridge Life Fieldhouse, which starts at 7 p.m. The Borg-Warner Trophy will be on display in the fan pavilion for photo opportunities with fans before the game.
Fans can view the unveil live on the IMS YouTube channel
.WHAT: 2025 Borg-Warner Trophy Unveil
WHO: Alex Palou, Driver, Chip Ganassi Racing, J. Douglas Boles, President, INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Michelle Collins, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner
WHEN: 4-6 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 19
WHERE: The Above Event Center, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis 

AJ Foyt Racing Partners with Hendricks Commercial Properties to raise funds for Homes For Our Troops in 2026

thepitwindow

From A. J. Foyt Racing:

ree

INDIANAPOLIS (Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025) — Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary next year takes on special significance for AJ Foyt Racing. The legacy Indy car team has committed to run the No. 14 Chevrolet in patriotic livery all season long in a marketing campaign to raise funds for Homes For Our Troops (hfot.org)

ree

Veterans and their families (including their specially trained pups) pose with Santino Ferrucci prior to the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

Following the resounding success of the Indianapolis 500-centered program that raised millions of dollars for Homes For Our Troops, the campaign has been expanded to the entire 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season with new marketing partners Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. Hendricks Holding Co., Inc. is the parent company of the new partners as well as that of former partner, ABC Supply Co., Inc.

“We are proud to partner with AJ Foyt Racing in support of Homes For Our Troops, a cause that truly reflects our values and the values of the Hendricks family,” said Rob Gerbitz, CEO and President of Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. “We’re honored to help advance HFOT’s mission to build homes for our nation’s deserving veterans.”

 Over the past four Indianapolis 500 campaigns, ABC Supply Co.’s $1 million annual matching pledge has helped raise nearly $15 million for Homes For Our Troops.

ree

HM3 Max Rohn received his specially adapted home in 2024. The US Navy Hospital Corpsman was serving with the 2nd Marine Headquarters Group in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an RKG-3 grenade. HM3 Rohn sustained severe damage to both his legs in the blast. In the years since his injury, Max received his bachelor’s degree in international politics from Penn State University and trained in track and field at the Olympic Training Center where he met his wife, Victoria. He competes for Team USA in men’s discus and is a War Fighter Sports ambassador for Move United. (Photo courtesy of Homes For Our Troops)

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Hendricks Commercial Properties for their generous sponsorship and support,” says HFOT President/CEO Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) Tom Landwermeyer. “As we look ahead to the 2026 racing season, we’re excited to build on this collaboration, which will play a vital role in raising awareness and advancing our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for our nation’s severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.”

Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group enter the motorsports arena for the first time but are quite familiar with the host city of INDYCAR’s world-famous Indy 500. Their development of the Bottleworks District encapsulates the companies’ impact on communities where they stimulate growth and create jobs while honoring the history behind each development.

ree

The Bottleworks Hotel is a wonderful example of Hendricks Commercial Properties development of historic districts.

“What an amazing program!” exclaimed Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing. “We couldn’t be prouder to continue our long relationship with the Hendricks family as well as continuing the inspiring experience of working with Homes For Our Troops. I can’t say enough about how much Diane Hendricks and her daughter Konya (Hendricks Schuh) have supported our team and IndyCar over the years. It will be an honor to represent their hospitality and commercial properties brands. Personally, the Bottleworks Hotel is my favorite stay in Indianapolis and this will certainly make my month of May home there more special.” 

Santino Ferrucci, who will enter his fourth season driving the No. 14 Chevrolet, commented, “I’m

Santino Ferrucci prior to the 2025 Indy 500. (INDYCAR photo)
Santino Ferrucci prior to the 2025 Indy 500. (INDYCAR photo)

incredibly excited that Homes For Our Troops will be on the 14 car for the full season, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. It’s a huge deal, not just for the team and myself, but to drive a car in the American flag livery all year long is an honor and a privilege. We’re committed to raising awareness and money, lots of it, for our severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, who’ve sacrificed so much for this country to protect the freedoms we enjoy.”

The fund-raising initiative started in 2022 with the Indy car team founded by motorsports icon A.J. Foyt. ABC Supply, which first backed AJ Foyt Racing in 2005 and expanded its sponsorship to a two-car team in 2015, curtailed its program during the Covid-pandemic to just the Indianapolis 500. In 2022, the wholesale distributor of exterior building products dedicated its primary sponsorship to Homes For Our Troops. Diane Hendricks, co-founder of ABC Supply and its parent company, Hendricks Holding Co., Inc., spearheaded the marketing campaign that pledged up to $1 million in matching donations during the ten days leading up to the Indy 500.

 In its inaugural year, more than $2 million was raised to build specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. The campaign’s tremendous success led to annual May campaigns with the top-fundraising occurring in 2024 with over $5 Million dollars raised, exceeding the $4 Million dollar goal set.

ree

For 2026, Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group have taken charge and committed to a full-season marketing partnership to raise awareness for Homes For Our Troops throughout the NTT INDYCAR Series 17-race season.  The companies will also use the program to foster community development inspired by their successful restoration projects in Beloit, Wisconsin, where they are headquartered, and the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis. Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of boutique hotels and restaurants across Idaho, Indiana, California, and Wisconsin.

ree

Many of the Hendricks Commercial Properties’ inspired restoration projects took place in Beloit, Wisconsin. The Ironworks Campus, the company’s headquarters, sits to the right of the Rock River.

The No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet will make its debut in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg during the weekend of Feb. 27 – Mar. 1. The race will be broadcast on FOX with the time still being determined.

 

* * *

 

 About Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) 

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, blindness, severe burns, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services supporting Veterans. For more information, visit www.hfotusa.org.

About Hendricks Commercial Properties

Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) invests in, develops and manages mixed-use destinations and industrial properties throughout the United States. HCP maintains and creates work environments and lifestyles that people truly enjoy being a part of on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.hendricksgroup.net. 

About Geronimo Hospitality Group

Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of award-winning, upscale boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. Committed to providing memorable guest experiences through its genuine service and original brands, Geronimo properties are distinguished as destinations of choice for locals and travelers in the cities where they operate. For more information, visit www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com. 

About ABC Supply

ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. Since its founding in 1982, ABC Supply’s sole focus has been serving professional contractors and “making it easy” for them to do their jobs by offering the products, support and services they need — including myABCsupply, which allows them to place material orders and manage their account details from anywhere. 

ABC Supply is a 19-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner and is committed to hiring military veterans. The company also received the 2025 NAW Distributors Award, recognizing its industry leadership, community engagement and commitment to innovation.

Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, ABC Supply has over 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. More information is available at www.abcsupply.com. Contractors can find resources for growing and improving their businesses on ABC Supply’s blog and the company’s LinkedIn page.