PALMETTO, Fla. – The biggest event on the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires calendar will see significant enhancements next month, as Cooper Tires steps up as the presenting sponsor of the Freedom 100.
The traditional 100-mile race is held on Carb Day, May 24, as the precursor to the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. The action-packed day afternoon will also include the final practice session for the Indy 500 field and the Indy 500 Pit Stop Competition.
The Freedom 100 presented by Cooper Tires will feature an increased prize package, with a total of $85,000 awarded to the top-three finishers, including $50,000 to the winner.
NBCSN will feature a live broadcast of the Freedom 100 presented by Cooper Tires, with live and on-demand coverage also on NBC Sports Gold as part of the INDYCAR Pass package.
The Freedom 100 has provided spectacular side-by-side action during its 16-year history and holds the record for the two closest finishes on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
Past winners of the Freedom 100 Presented by Cooper Tires include Colton Herta – who won a nail-biter last year, finishing 0.0281 seconds ahead of Patricio O’Ward – Matheus Leist, Jack Harvey, Gabby Chaves and Josef Newgarden.
“It is both exciting and appropriate that we welcome Cooper Tires as presenting sponsor of our marquee event,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “Cooper Tires has been a tremendous partner of the entire Road to Indy from not only a competition standpoint, but also to marketing, activation and driver development and advancement.
“As we celebrate our 10th year, our three series would not be where they are today without Cooper Tires. Chris Pantani [Director of Motorsports] and his team have helped to develop the Road to Indy into one of the most successful driver development programs in the world.”
In addition to being a key partner in the prize money and scholarships that help drivers take the next steps in their careers, including the Cooper Tires Pole Award presented at every event across the Road to Indy, Cooper Tires is a partner of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Honda Indy Toronto and Portland Int’l Raceway, and the Lucas Oil School of Racing.
The Freedom 100 Presented by Cooper Tires will see some new faces on the grid, with the recent announcements of Jarett Andretti with Andretti Autosport and Chris Windom with Belardi Auto Racing/Jonathan Byrd’s Racing.