SOUTH BEND, IN (April 18, 2024) – In a partnership that champions community at home in Indiana and abroad, The University of Notre Dame has collaborated with Irish race car driver James Roe on a uniquely themed helmet for the INDY NXT by Firestone™ events during the storied Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.   

Hailing from Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland and piloting the No. 29 Topcon entry of Andretti Global, Roe will don 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.  

In the lead-up to being on track for the Indianapolis Grand Prix races on the IMS road course on May 10 and 11, Roe and this unique helmet will visit Notre Dame Stadium for the annual Blue-Gold game on April 20. In addition Roe 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,” said Roe. “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 in the fall of 2024.     

Catch Roe and his Fighting Irish helmet in action during the INDY NXT by Firestone doubleheader weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 10 (6:15 p.m. ET) and May 11 (1:00 p.m. ET) with broadcasts available on Peacock. 

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About INDY NXT by Firestone

INDY NXT by Firestone is the developmental series of INDYCAR as it advances drivers and team personnel to compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. INDY NXT by Firestone, formerly known as Indy Lights, focuses on the next generation of open-wheel racers and is the premier proving ground for young talent and innovative technologies. The 2024 season consists of 14 races in the United States. Past series champions include INDYCAR SERIES champions

Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Paul Tracy and Cristiano da Matta. In 2023, 19 of the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500 competed in the series now known as INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com. For more information on INDYCAR

and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.