TEDSports Indianapolis is partnering with Gainbridge to co-sponsor Justin Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400, set for Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This collaboration highlights the growing prominence of the event and integrates the newly launched TEDSports initiative with the sport.
Introducing TEDSports Indianapolis: A Unique Sports Event Launching in 2025
TEDSports Indianapolis is scheduled for September 9-11, 2025, marking the first TED event dedicated entirely to sports. The nonprofit TED, known for fostering meaningful discussions and spreading innovative ideas, is hosting this event in partnership with Indiana Sports Corp and Next Practice Partners. It aims to explore cutting-edge connections between sports, culture, and innovation in Indianapolis.
Leadership Voices Highlight Excitement Around the Partnership
Mike Nichols, Gainbridge’s Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation, expressed pride that TED chose Indianapolis for this inaugural event, emphasizing the significance of the Brickyard 400 on both NASCAR’s and the city’s calendars. He noted,
“We are proud that TED has chosen our hometown of Indianapolis to host the inaugural TEDSports event in September,”
and added,
“The Brickyard 400 is a premier event on the NASCAR and Indianapolis calendars, and we are honored to feature TEDSports Indianapolis alongside Gainbridge on Justin Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet for the weekend.”
Monique Ruff-Bell, TED’s Chief Program and Strategy Officer, pointed out the importance of the Brickyard as the perfect venue for TEDSports’ NASCAR debut, stating,
“There’s no place more exciting for TEDSports to make its NASCAR debut than the Brickyard,”
and explaining,
“Indianapolis is a city where innovation, culture, and sports converge, and this partnership reflects everything TEDSports is about – exploring bold new intersections and sharing big ideas.”
Justin Haley’s Connection to Indiana and Racing Achievements
Justin Haley, originally from Winamac, Indiana, brings a strong local connection to the race. This season, Haley has secured one top-10 and five top-15 finishes, most recently finishing 17th at Dover Motor Speedway. He notably earned Spire Motorsports its first NASCAR Cup Series victory in 2019 at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 held at Daytona International Speedway.
That same year, Haley placed fifth in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the 2.5-mile oval in Speedway, Indiana, and earned an eighth-place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis’ road course in 2021. This weekend’s Brickyard 400 presents an exciting opportunity for Haley to compete in his home state representing Gainbridge and TEDSports Indianapolis.
Haley Reflects on the Unique Partnership and Race Weekend
Haley expressed enthusiasm about the innovative approach Gainbridge and its partners take toward sponsorships, saying,
“It’s always fun when our partners do something unique and explore non-traditional ways to activate their sponsorships,”
and acknowledging,
“Gainbridge and Group 1001 are always on the leading edge when it comes to thinking outside the box and innovating across multiple sports platforms.”
He further shared the personal significance of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, stating,
“Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is always special but, for a kid from Indiana, being able to represent Gainbridge and TEDSports Indianapolis is a big deal. Our entire team is looking forward to the weekend and eager for the opportunity to make everyone proud.”
Broadcast Details and Viewing Options for the Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 will be broadcast live on TNT on Sunday, July 27, starting at 2 p.m. ET. Fans can also listen to the race via the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring widespread access to the event.
