The checkered flag for the NTT IndyCar Series will have a different look this season, with the Advance Auto Parts logo making an appearance in the center of the traditional black and white design.
The agreement to have the logo incorporated into the flag is part of a larger deal to have the car parts company be the official aftermarket retail partner of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the next few years.
Advance Auto Parts logos will also be visible in other places throughout IMS, including on top of the iconic scoring pylon on the front stretch.
Part of the agreement also specifies that any winning drivers who specifically say in post-race interviews that they ‘advanced’ in some way during the race will have a cash prize donated by Advance Auto Parts to a charity of their choice.
“We’re honored to welcome Advance Auto Parts to both the IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway families,” said president & CEO Penske Entertainment Mark Miles in the press release.
“Advance is a world-class and highly respected brand, and the perfect partner emblem to display on the checkered flag welcoming our NTT IndyCar Series drivers to the finish line at the iconic Yard of Bricks and across all of our events.”
IndyCar’s checkered flag previously carried the Speedway Fuel logo in the center, which was agreed as part of the company’s deal to supply fuel to the series in recent years.
This year Shell has taken over as the official fuel supplier, and Speedway no longer has a relationship with IndyCar or IMS.
The new agreement with Advance Auto Parts goes through the 2025 season, and the first time the newly-styled checkered flag will be seen is when flagman Aaron Likens waves it at the upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 5.
