New Sustainability Initiatives Keep Iowa Racing Toward Zero

By INDYCAR | Published: Jul 21, 2023

Iowa Speedway

Promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend July 21 announced several key initiatives that will be featured during this weekend’s event at Iowa Speedway.

With a commitment to making a positive impact on the local community and the environment, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will launch robust waste diversion efforts, pledge support for veterans and active military members, offer Free Family Friday access that will make the event more inclusive and work with Iowa-based enterprises to incorporate locally sourced food for spectators and athletes this weekend.

Building on the momentum of the industry-leading initiatives implemented this year by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, designed to dramatically reduce the overall carbon footprint across the sport, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is Racing Toward Zero by identifying several key areas in 2023 that will enhance overall sustainability and drive the event toward a greener future. Bolstered by the commitment of its partners, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is devoted to making the 2023 event the most sustainable in the 15-year history of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES competing at Iowa Speedway.

The 2023 Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will feature the following sustainability resources:

  • Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is striving to become the only event in Iowa to become certified by the Council for Responsible Sport in 2023. The Council for Responsible Sport recognizes and certifies events that meet a set of criteria for social and environmental responsibility objectives that make a positive difference in their communities. Through increased sustainability efforts and community outreach programs, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is on course to achieve the enviable distinction, joining the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear this season
  • Iowa Speedway also will implement an enhanced and more comprehensive recycling and waste diversion program during race weekend. Composting, food donations and zero-waste fan engagement initiatives are designed to divert waste from local landfills
  • Most of the food offered to guests, teams and competitors during Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will all be locally sourced. Local food, grown within 200 miles of Iowa Speedway, helps strengthen the local economy, supports Iowa farms and helps protect the environment. Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend also will partner with local food banks to ensure that prepared, unserved food, packaged snacks and beverages are donated to help feed central Iowans in need
  • In honor of its unwavering commitment to veterans and military members of the United States Armed Forces, Saturday, July 22 will be an all-day salute to military service men and women, culminating with the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. Hy-Vee has been a longtime supporter of veterans, active-duty military members and their families through its Hy-Vee Homefront program. Designated nonprofit organizations that benefit from Hy-Vee Homefront include Operation First Response, Puppy Jake Foundation, Hope for the Warriors and American Red Cross. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has also been a longtime supporter of our nation’s armed forces
  • Making the event more inclusive to the community, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is once again featuring Free Family Friday as fans can enter Iowa Speedway free of charge today to watch the first on-track action of the weekend from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the rising stars of INDY NXT by Firestone. All grandstand seating will feature first-come, first-served general admission viewing when the ticket gates open at 2 p.m. CT
  • For the first time in the history of American motorsports, this season every single car competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is driven by Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel. Shell, the official fuel, motor oil, and lubricant sponsor of INDYCAR, has produced an innovative formula of second-generation ethanol that is derived from sugarcane waste combined with renewable components obtained from non-food waste to fuel each car that will compete at the “Fastest Short Track on the Planet”
  • The high-tech trucks and trailers that transport the 25-plus NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars competing this season across the United States and Canada are all fueled by 100% renewable diesel, which significantly reduces travel-related emissions

Sustainability at Iowa Speedway