Image courtesy of IMS

Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the largest single-day sporting event in the world, is now a certified responsible event by the Council for Responsible Sport (Council). The announcement marks the first time a motorsports event has achieved the distinction and is a milestone for the Indy 500.

The achievement of silver-level responsible sport certification was awarded to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Penske Entertainment Corp. following the May 30, 2021 NTT IndyCar Series race, which had successfully implemented all mandatory standards and 37 of the social and environmental impact considerations recommended in the Responsible Sport Standards for Events.

“This is an impressive first-time certification level and clearly shows the dedication of IMS, Penske Entertainment Corp., and their partners to building an increasingly sustainable approach for their famed event,” said Shelley Villalobos, managing director, Council for Responsible Sport.

IMS also announced the venue would become among the earliest adopters of the newly released responsible sports standard for organizations and venues. 

Elements of the plan ranged widely—from venue upgrades completed this spring that increase the efficiency of energy and water use on-site, such as LED lighting, water-conserving faucet retrofits, and paper-free hand dryers in all public restrooms—to growing the “Bike to the 500” event, which gathers spectators to cycle to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” 

The social responsibility initiatives earning credit included physical accessibility services for spectators, serving as a COVID-19 vaccination site, and the ongoing partnership with NXG Youth Motorsports Inc. Additional credit was earned by waste prevention efforts such as donating 2,562 unserved meals to Second Helpings for redistribution and donating used banners to People for Urban Progress, which makes them into products such as messenger bags.

In addition to the Indy 500 and the GMR Grand Prix in May, the new standard of operation at IMS will include the three races of the NASCAR/INDYCAR Brickyard Weekend—the Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix, the Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard, and the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

For more information, visit the IMS release here or indianapolismotorspeedway.com.