Legion enters racing world

The American Legion and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) have created a multi-year sponsorship agreement for the No. 48 Honda in the NTT IndyCar Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the street and road courses while 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner and Series Champion Tony Kanaan will handle the ovals.

“This is truly a win-win for all involved,” said James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “Teaming up with Chip Ganassi Racing allows The American Legion to showcase how it strengthens America every day through its programs, advocacy and support of veterans and their families. We’re looking forward to bringing that message and our mission to race fans across the country.”

On Nov. 17, the National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 1: #48 IndyCar Team Sponsorship.

Part of the resolution states that “The American Legion continually works at building and growing The American Legion organization and brand recognition, increasing membership and renewals, increasing fundraising and donations, and increasing sponsorship renewals (goals). Not many individual programs are able to impact and connect to all of The

American Legion’s goals. Sporting event sponsorship opportunities, if properly managed and executed, are a program area that allows sponsors to obtain those goals.”

The American Legion will be featured prominently on Johnson’s No. 48 Honda during every race in the 2021 and 2022 NTT IndyCar Series.

The American Legion will also be the primary paint scheme for two races in 2021 – the Indianapolis 500 (“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”) over Memorial Day Weekend, and the Texas Motor Speedway (May 2). Kanaan will be behind the wheel for those races.

“We’re excited about this new relationship with The American Legion as it allows us to further the sponsorship program on the No. 48 team with Jimmie and Tony, while also representing a very important relationship with an organization dedicated to supporting veterans,” said Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “Jimmie in particular has a long-standing appreciation for the service of veterans, so it was just another reason why partnering with The American Legion on his debut in the NTT IndyCar Series made sense.”

Other No. 48 IndyCar highlights include:
- The American Legion is associate sponsor for all 17 IndyCar Races – from March to October.
- Jimmie Johnson to drive 12 street races, no ovals in 2020.
- The sale of American Legion racing and Jimmie Johnson merchandise will be available through Emblem Sales, such as die-cast No. 48 cars, apparel, hats, flags, etc.

Johnson, who has family members who have served in the military, made a $10,000 donation to The American Legion on Dec. 1, Giving Tuesday. Johnson hopes his donation will motivate fans and the public to support veterans by donating $48 to The American Legion. The $48 pays homage to the number 48 car that he and Kanaan will drive.

“Our family knows firsthand how important it is to recognize our veterans,” said Johnson, who’s grandfathers and brother-in-law served in the military. “It’s exciting to be partnering with The American Legion to be able to show our appreciation to veterans and to continue to raise public awareness and support for this special organization.”