politics
IndyCar Pulls 'One Nation, One Race' Shirt After Customer Feedback
IndyCar withdrew a promotional T-shirt for the Freedom 250 race in Washington DC after receiving customer complaints about its design and phrasing. The series said it is reviewing its approval process for event apparel. The shirt was part of promotion for a street race sanctioned by an executive order from President Trump.
May 14, 5:00 AM·1m read1 source
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IndyCar withdrew a licensed T-shirt from its online store after the design drew criticism online. ” The series said it understood some people found its phrasing concerning. ” The series pulled the shirt from sale following customer feedback and said it is reviewing its approval process related to event apparel.
IndyCar said in a statement that it understood some individuals found the shirt's phrasing concerning. A spokesperson said last week that the series is reviewing its approval process. The series has not explained who approved the design or how it was cleared.
500 The withdrawal occurs as buildup begins for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, the sport's centerpiece event held on Memorial Day weekend. IndyCar has highlighted its personalities, structural parity and close racing as it seeks to expand its audience. Formula One viewership has declined among American audiences while NASCAR remains largely regional.
The Hulman-George family owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and controlled IndyCar for decades after purchasing the track shortly after World War II. The family sold the assets to Roger Penske seven years ago. Penske owns the most successful team in IndyCar and also holds a stake in a NASCAR franchise.
Penske Corp made political contributions including to groups associated with Trump ahead of the 2024 election. Penske appeared with Trump in the Oval Office when the executive order for the Freedom 250 was signed. The shirt controversy has drawn online comments linking its imagery to political themes.
Some observers noted the design included elements resembling the Lincoln Memorial and Roman fasces. IndyCar has not commented further on the specific imagery or the approval process beyond its initial statement.
