INDIANAPOLIS — Marotti Autosport is making history by giving race fans an opportunity to own a share of the team’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 entry.
Inspired by the tradition of past car entries named after cities, the theme of Marotti Autosport’s Indy 500 program and car have been named the Spirit of Speedway.
“With our Spirit of Speedway program, we are the first to honor Speedway, Ind., hometown of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” said team owner Will Marotti, who launched Marotti Autosport in 2016 when he partnered with Arrow McLaren SP, formerly Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports in the 100th running of the Indy 500.
He is the only active minister to have led an Indy 500 team.
“With the goal to become the first fully race fan owned entry, what better way to rally support and excitement than to honor the wonderful town of Speedway.”
Marotti Autosport kicked off their first crowd fund effort for a race fan-owned Indy 500 entry in late 2021, the most successful in IndyCar history. Featuring grassroots efforts such as a featured banner on Main Street in Speedway and promotional support from local businesses and partners, the team is looking to capitalize on their success from the first round.
For a suggested $10,000 investment, race fan investors receive a 1% ownership stake in the car and a commensurate 1% share of the prize money generated by the Spirit of Speedway entry in the 2023 Indy 500.
“Our race fan investors will not only own a part of the car, but they will also have exclusive access to team announcements, driver autograph session and team dinner leading up to the Indy 500, first class hospitality during the May and July Grand Prix weekends, and of course the coveted Indy 500,” Marotti said.
In addition to their second crowd fund, Marotti Autosport is also currently seeking corporate sponsors for the Spirit of Speedway Indy 500 entry.
“We are encouraged by the interest and conversations we’ve had thus far,” Marotti said. “We are committed to creating a motorsports program that will not only give race fans the opportunity to live a dream, but to also bring value and a platform for a corporate partner at the greatest spectacle in all of racing.”
With the announcement Marotti Autosport also re-launched their investor portal where race fans can learn more about the investment program, as well as hear from team owner Will Marotti and other race fan investors who have been involved this past season.
With the 2022 season now in the books, the team is also seeking a competitive IndyCar driver who is available in 2023 to pilot the car.
“We are excited about the talent that is out there and with the conclusion of the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season, some additional drivers are becoming available,” Marotti said. “We have a passion for Speedway, Indiana, and the most prestigious race in the world, and we are seeking to be a competitive entry for the biggest prize in motorsports— the Borg Warner Trophy!”