Chip Ganassi Racing and the American Legion Join Forces to Take on Veteran Suicide at the 2021 Indianapolis 500

As an American Legion life member, I’m extremely proud that the Legion and racing legend Chip Ganassi have teamed up to raise awareness about veteran suicide at one of the world’s most famous races, the Indianapolis 500.

22 American veterans take their own lives every day as a result of their military experiences.  There are programs to help veterans but they need to know these programs exist and that it’s OK to seek help and to talk about their experiences.

Indycar driver Tony Kanaan will drive the American Legion No. 48 car at the Indy 500 with Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Lee Dunham’s name on the car.

In an interview before the race, American Legion member and former Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps Michael Barrett noted:

“The Indy 500 is already the most famous race in motorsports, but today is a day that we are going to look back on in history and say, ‘It started here. It started with this race – the race to end veteran suicide,’” he said. “Help us save the lives of veterans who are suffering from the emotional scars of war or other overwhelming stressful life experiences. And for all those veterans who are looking for someone to talk with, I say ‘open the door – just open the door – to one of the 12,000 American Legion posts all across this wonderful nation. We are here. We care. We understand. Let us help.’”

This is a great awareness program and The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN) is doing its part for veteran suicide by hosting the VetsRally4Vets amateur race at Summit Point on October 10, 2021.  You may not be able to race in the Indianapolis 500, but you can race with us at Summit Point.

BTW, look closely at the front of the DVEN No. 378 car and you will see the American Legion Post 43 logo on the front.

Join us at Summit Point. Registration opens in just four days!

Thank you Chip Ganassi Racing!

Hooah!