Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is welcoming a new partner to the racing world this May as Turtle Wax, the globally recognized car care brand, becomes the official sponsor of Fast Friday. This new multiyear partnership not only highlights the excitement of one of the most high-octane days leading up to the Indianapolis 500 but also unites two iconic names rooted in Midwestern automotive heritage.
Fast Friday, presented by Turtle Wax, is scheduled for May 16 and serves as the final practice session before Armed Forces Qualifying weekend. The day is a fan favorite, featuring increased engine boost levels that push the cars to their limits, offering teams their last shot to fine-tune speed, balance, and race setups before the all-important qualifying runs on May 17 and 18.
“The increased boost levels available on Fast Friday make it one of the most exciting practice days in the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500,” said INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “The partnership with Turtle Wax provides a boost to the day for fans and teams alike.”
Turtle Wax, founded in 1944 with the creation of the first bottled car wax, has built a legacy of innovation and quality in the automotive industry. More than 75 years later, the Chicago-based brand continues to stand out with its extensive line of products designed to clean, shine, and protect every inch of a vehicle. From waxes and washes to interior care and detailing solutions, Turtle Wax has remained a go-to for car owners around the world.
This partnership will also benefit IMS operations. Turtle Wax will supply products for the entire IMS event vehicle fleet, helping to maintain the clean and polished look expected at the Racing Capital of the World.
“We’re thrilled about this alliance between two iconic Midwest-based brands – Turtle Wax and Indianapolis Motor Speedway – each with a rich history in the automotive world,” said Turtle Wax Chief Marketing Officer Daren Herbert. “As part of this collaboration, Turtle Wax products will help maintain the IMS fleet, continuing our legacy of trusted performance related to any vehicle’s appearance, so IMS can stay focused on what it does best. Simply put: It’s a match made in speed and shine, and we’re ready to go.”
The partnership isn’t just about branding. It represents a fusion of performance and presentation. Fast Friday is a critical day for both race teams and fans, with the extra horsepower on tap giving drivers the opportunity to simulate qualifying conditions. With cars flying around the track at speeds well over 230 miles per hour, every detail matters – and that includes how the event is presented.
Fans planning to attend Fast Friday can look forward to a day full of edge-of-your-seat action, while also experiencing a new layer of polish, thanks to Turtle Wax’s involvement. The event is a highlight of the Month of May at IMS, a buildup that ultimately culminates in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25.
Tickets for Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax are now available at ims.com, where fans can also find more information about the full Month of May lineup, including practices, qualifying events, and race day details.
To explore Turtle Wax’s full line of car care products, visit TurtleWax.com.
As race day approaches, this new collaboration shines a spotlight on both performance and tradition, celebrating the energy of racing and the pride of keeping vehicles in top form—on and off the track.
