The NTT IndyCar Series is once again sending the green flag for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 around the world ahead of the big race in May.
In a tradition that was restarted last year, the flag is sent to major events around the globe to promote the series with unique photo opportunities.
This year’s tour was kicked off when the flag visited Antarctica for the first time in the hands of Dan Smith from NTT Data, who took part in the Undaunted: South Pole 2023 expedition.
NTT Data, which has been the title sponsor of IndyCar since 2019, is sponsoring Robert Swan’s expedition to the South Pole.
According to the project’s webpage, the purpose of the expedition is to ‘demonstrate the viability of renewable energy and sustainable technologies.’
With the racing world constantly looking for sustainable ways to operate, the crossover between IndyCar and this project is fitting beyond the commonality of the NTT Data sponsorship.
The flag has also travelled to Sweden, where it was present at the Idrottsgalan 2023 Swedish sports awards gala in early January. With Marcus Ericsson winning the Indy 500 last season, there have been multiple opportunities for IndyCar to further promote itself throughout the Nordic country.
Last season, the flag visited numerous locations including the Race of Champions in Sweden, Superbowl LVI in California, and was carried in the pace car for the Bathurst 6 hour race in Australia.
Future locations for this year’s journey have not yet been announced, but progress is updated on the web at the following location: www.IMS.com/GreenFlagRelay
The flag’s final stop will be the 107th running of the Indianapolis on May 28, when 300,000 fans will see the flag being waved from the iconic starter’s stand.
