IMS and Big Brothers Big Sisters Launch 500 Bigs by Indy 500 Campaign

Volunteer drive aims to recruit 500 new mentors ahead of Indianapolis 500 race

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) have launched a joint campaign to recruit 500 new volunteer mentors, or "Bigs," by the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026. The campaign runs from March 1 to May 24, with the goal of finding mentors for over 1,000 local youth waiting for a "Big" in the Central Indiana area.

Why it matters

Mentorship has been shown to have significant positive impacts on youth development, including improved mental health, academic achievement, economic mobility, and reduced risky behaviors. By partnering with the high-profile Indianapolis 500 event, BBBSCI hopes to leverage IMS's reach and influence to inspire more community members to volunteer as mentors and make a difference in young people's lives.

The details

The '500 Bigs by the Indy 500' campaign will involve BBBSCI and IMS working together to share the need and urgency for more mentors in Central Indiana. They are looking to recruit 500 new volunteer mentors to be matched with local youth during this time period. Mentors, or "Bigs," commit to meeting with their mentee, or "Little," for 4-6 hours per month over the course of a year.

  • The campaign runs from March 1 to May 24, 2026, the day of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
  • BBBSCI and IMS officially announced the campaign on March 4, 2026.

The players

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI)

A non-profit organization that has provided mentorship programs in the Central Indiana community for over 50 years.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)

The famous racetrack that hosts the annual Indianapolis 500 IndyCar race, one of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world.

Jimmie McMillian

Penske Entertainment Senior Corporate Counsel, who expressed IMS's excitement to work with BBBSCI on this campaign.

Darcey Palmer-Shultz

CEO of BBBSCI, who highlighted the organization's long history of mentorship and the importance of community involvement.

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What they’re saying

“IMS is excited to work with BBBSCI for another year to encourage more connection throughout our community. Just like how we bring together 350,000-plus people for the Indy 500, we hope to bring together hundreds of kids and community members in Central Indiana through this campaign.”

— Jimmie McMillian, Penske Entertainment Senior Corporate Counsel (tracksideonline.com)

“It's a clearly a busy time of year for IMS and the Indy 500, so it says a lot about their commitment to our community's future – our amazing kids – that they collaborate with Big Brothers Big Sisters on this push to find more mentors. Volunteering as a mentor is about showing up for a young person you may have otherwise never met because you believe it matters to be part of a community where all kids have encouragement and opportunity.”

— Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI (tracksideonline.com)

What’s next

The campaign will run through May 24, 2026, the day of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. BBBSCI and IMS will continue to promote the need for volunteer mentors and encourage community members to sign up to become a "Big" during this time period.

The takeaway

This partnership between IMS and BBBSCI demonstrates the power of leveraging high-profile events and organizations to inspire community involvement and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth. By recruiting 500 new volunteer mentors, the campaign has the potential to provide life-changing guidance and support to hundreds of young people in Central Indiana.