
What did the American Legion and Chip Ganassi Racing do when their No. 48 Honda NTT INDYCAR Series car went “missing?”
They took to social media, according to the American Legion.
In a series of funny videos this week, racing legend Jimmie Johnson finds the missing car safe in the hands of his teammate, 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan.
The posts showcased Kanaan answering phones at the American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, hiding from Johnson and channeling his 20th run in the Indianapolis 500 in the red, white and blue American Legion livery.
“Jimmie and I had some fun filming the unveil videos,” said Kanaan. This livery is really sharp looking, and I’m so happy to be running my 20th Indianapolis 500 in it. The American Legion is an important resource for veterans in helping make sure they get the benefits they have earned through their service, and I am proud to represent them, and all veterans.”
According to the American Legion, it is using its presence in INDYCAR to raise awareness and introduce a new modern brand expression before millions of fans. The new logo does not replace the historic American Legion emblem, but complements it by honoring the history, heritage and symbols which Legionnaires hold dear.
“Just like each one of our military branches, the American Legion will always have and utilize our traditional seal which has deep meaning to each and every Legionnaire,” said Dean Kessel, chief marketing officer for the American Legion. “Our new marketing logo on the No. 48 Honda livery looks fantastic and provides a modern and contemporary expression for the brand.
"The American Legion name is clearly visible and honors our nation’s veterans while still honoring who we are as an organization.”
The American Legion is prominently featured on the No. 48 Honda during every race in the 2021 and 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. It is the primary paint scheme for two races in 2021, including the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend and at the Texas Motor Speedway May 2.
Throughout the year, the American Legion will use the series and national television exposure to bring attention to some of the most important issues facing today’s veterans, including veteran suicide, honoring the fallen and remembering the service and sacrifice rendered as a result of 9/11 and other topics.
For more information on the American Legion and its NTT INDYCAR SERIES participation, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
Want to get more connected to the great resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.