IMS Working to Honor Indiana Football's 2025 National Championship at 2026 Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is planning a special tribute for the Hoosiers' title-winning season.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The state of Indiana has found several ways to celebrate the Hoosiers' 2025 national championship since January, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is now working on plans to honor the achievement at the 2026 Indianapolis 500. IMS President Doug Boles confirmed that there are ideas in the works to have the Indiana football team and head coach Curt Cignetti represented at the iconic race.

Why it matters

The crossover between Indiana's football success and the state's motorsports heritage has been on display in recent years, with Hoosiers players visiting IndyCar teams and champions like Alex Palou making appearances at Memorial Stadium. Honoring the 2025 national title at the Indy 500 would further cement the connection between these two pillars of Indiana sports.

The details

Indiana football's win in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game led to celebrations across the state, with recognition coming from local figures like Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The state is now looking to celebrate the 2025 Hoosiers even more, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is working on plans to have the team and head coach Curt Cignetti represented at the 2026 Indianapolis 500.

  • Indiana football won the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2026.
  • The 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the 2025 Indiana football national championship team.

Doug Boles

The president of both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Alex Palou

A Chip Ganassi Racing driver who won the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's something in the works for sure for the Hoosiers to be represented at this year's race.”

— Doug Boles, President of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway

“It wouldn't be the first crossover between IndyCar and Indiana football, with members of the 2025 roster stopping by Chip Ganassi Racing's garages ahead of the 2025 race.”

— Doug Boles, President of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway

What’s next

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is expected to announce details of its plans to honor the 2025 Indiana football national championship at the 2026 Indianapolis 500 in the coming months.

The takeaway

The strong connection between Indiana's football success and the state's motorsports heritage continues to be celebrated, as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway looks to further highlight the Hoosiers' 2025 national title at the iconic Indy 500 race.