Sustainability efforts took place both on and off the track. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
The Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend has been awarded a gold certification from the Council for Responsible Sport on account of its sustainable social and environmental practices during this past summer’s event.
The Council has been evaluating and certifying public events since 2007, and looks for ways in which the events promote a healthier society, economy and environment.
Despite certifying more than 200 events, the double-header race weekend held at Iowa Speedway is only the second motorsports event to ever earn a gold certification, and the first event of any kind in the state of Iowa.
The other motorsports event in that category is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, which also received a gold certification for its responsible practices this past year while bringing the annual IndyCar back to the streets of downtown Detroit.
Gold certification is the second-highest award level the council hands out, with 75% of all recommended practices followed throughout the event.
“Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend has become one of the most unique and popular events in Iowa and on the IndyCar calendar and we are so proud that the 2023 racing and entertainment festival at Iowa Speedway has achieved Gold certification for its commitment to driving positive environmental and social change,” said Anne Fischgrund, General Manager of Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend.
“This honor recognizes Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend’s dedication to sustainability, inclusivity and community engagement, and we are already working on ways the event can make an even greater impact in 2024.”
During the July 21-23 race weekend, Iowa Speedway saved 160 tons of material from entering local landfills, and recycled nearly 73 tons of cardboard, bottles, and cans.
4.5 tons of unused food was also donated to local food pantries, ensuring as little as possible was wasted while hosting the 85,000 fans that attended the race weekend.
The sustainability efforts of the unique event will continue into this next year, with multiple concerts and two full-length IndyCar races being held July 13-14, 2024.
Keyword: IndyCar’s Iowa double-header event earns gold sustainability award