The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), renowned as the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, is actively championing diversity and inclusion within motorsports. Under the leadership of President J. Douglas Boles, IMS is committed to transforming the racing landscape into a more inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of its global fanbase.
In 2020, IMS and INDYCAR launched the “Race for Equality & Change” initiative, backed by a $1 million fund aimed at fostering diversity across all facets of the sport. This comprehensive program focuses on several key areas:
- Recruiting and developing a diverse workforce throughout all levels of INDYCAR and IMS.
- Diversifying the competitive driver field at the grassroots, Road to Indy, and NTT INDYCAR SERIES levels.
- Supporting impactful grassroots youth motorsports programs, including enhancing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s longstanding partnership with Nexgeneracers, a 501(c)(3) organization that introduces minority students to the world of motorsports.
- Diversifying employment, leadership, and ownership within the Series and with INDYCAR promoters
- Investing in minority communities to encourage greater engagement with INDYCAR and IMS.
- Establishing a procurement program to meaningfully increase the number of minority-owned businesses that contract with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year.
President Boles emphasizes the importance of these initiatives, stating that IMS aims to create an environment where fans, competitors, and consumers of all cultures, races, genders, and socio-economic levels can connect and share once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
To further this mission, IMS has implemented the Diverse Leadership in Motorsports Program, providing unique opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds who aspire to careers in sports and entertainment industries. This program offers professional networking, leadership development, and exposure to industry leaders, fostering a pipeline of diverse talent for the future.
Additionally, IMS supports events like the Women with Drive Summit, which brings together influential figures in motorsports to discuss and advance opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive environment within the industry.
Through these concerted efforts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not only preserving its storied legacy but also ensuring that the future of motorsports is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.
