In a partnership that champions community at home in Indiana and abroad, the University of Notre Dame has collaborated with Irish driver James Roe on a uniquely themed helmet for the two INDY NXT by Firestone events during the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hailing from Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland and driving the No. 29 Topcon entry from Andretti Global, Roe will wear a racing helmet designed to mirror the iconic gold helmets of the Fighting Irish football team – a classic touchstone of the university. To ensure authenticity, the racing helmet was carefully produced using a painting process identical to that used for the football helmets.
Roe will wear the helmet during the INDY NXT races May 10 and May 11 on the IMS road course. As part of the buildup to the Month of May, Roe and this unique helmet will visit Notre Dame Stadium for the annual Blue-Gold game on April 20. Roe also appeared on the season finale of the Wake Up the Echoes Podcast - the Official Show of the Fighting Irish.
“I’m thrilled to partner with the University of Notre Dame on this special helmet – highlighting the close and timeless bond between the university and Ireland,” Roe said. “It’s a privilege to wear the gold helmet that has meant so much to generations of Notre Dame football fans – myself included. I’m proud to represent the indomitable spirit shared by the Fighting Irish community in Indiana, in Ireland and across the globe.”
Following the race weekend, Roe and the Notre Dame helmet will be featured at other university events, including a helmet swap at a Fighting Irish football game this fall.
Race One of the Indianapolis Grand Prix starts at 6:10 p.m. ET Friday, May 10, with Race 2 at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Both races will be streamed live on Peacock for U.S. viewers and INDYCAR LIVE for international viewers, and broadcast on the INDYCAR Radio Network.