Indy 500 – Putting Finland and
Your Company in the Spotlight
at America’s Premier Stage
B2B Shaping the future
Network at the indy 500
VIP Section at the INDY 500
The Finland Hospitality Lounge in the VIP area, at the heart of the largest sporting event in the United States.
A Unique Networking Opportunity
High-profile contacts and business opportunities.
Nearly all key American companies and decision-
makers are present at the event.
Support a Young Talent
Together we support Vilho Aatola’s international career while strengthening Finland’s global brand.
The Shaping the Future project supports Finland’s economic growth by opening new export opportunities in the United States. Networking is the key.
The Indy 500 is the largest sporting event in the country, attracting leaders from across industries. The defense sector, in particular, plays a prominent role at the festivities.
The timing is ideal. The United States represents more than half of NATO, and Finland’s recent membership opens new doors. Defense investments are growing rapidly.
Our second goal is to create an international career path for young Finnish racing talent Vilho Aatola — and, through him, an inspiring example for Finland’s youth.
Finland’s global brand needs success stories. Seize this unique opportunity to be part of one.
Illustration of the Finland Hospitality Lounge in the VIP area of the Indy 500.
The Unique Finland Hospitality lounge in the Indy 500 VIP Area
An Exclusive Venue
Access is by invitation only — an experience money can’t buy. Just seven comparable hospitality lounges are granted to teams, and the Finland Hospitality Lounge is the very first of its kind in the history of the Indy 500.
Signature Finnish Sauna
As a special highlight, the lounge features an authentic Finnish sauna.
Premium Facilities & Services
Catering, two private 5-person tables exclusively for your company, air-conditioned lounge and meeting space in shared use
The success of young Finnish motorsport talent Vilho Aatola in the 2025 USF Juniors series has paved the way for the Finland Hospitality Lounge to stand alongside America’s top companies and key decision-makers.
The VIP area is fundamentally different from the event’s Expo area. While companies can purchase exhibition space in the Expo, access to the VIP area cannot be booked independently.
This is a unique opportunity for Finnish businesses to experience the Indy 500 and to network with high-level American leaders and decision-makers.
In Prestigious Company
Among the companies and brands expanding their sales and B2B relationships in the world’s motorsport capital, Indianapolis, are
Gainbridge, Big Machine, Chevrolet, Crown Royal, Firestone, MillerCoors, NTT Data, TAG Heuer, and many more.
Neighboring the Finland Hospitality Suite are some of the most prestigious teams and their partners, including: Arrow McLaren, Andretti Global, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, Prema Racing.
Pictured: Vilho Aatola (b. 2009) on his path to the Indy 500 starting line.
For more information
indyjunioracademy@indyjunioracademy.fi
Tero palmroth
+358400 40 2851
Indy 500 veteran
Jukka Valtasaari
+35840 026 5101
Former ambassador of Finland to the United States
Tommi Aatola
+35840 319 0008
Father of Vilho Aatola
FAQ
The Indy Junior Academy Finland-USA engages in responsible youth work among young motorsport enthusiasts.
Its goal is to pave the way for talented Finnish drivers to enter the American motorsport scene.
The Academy understands the dynamics of the IndyCar world and has extensive connections with various teams and series. It assists in contract negotiations and supports the driver’s team in navigating their journey from smaller series to the top.
IndyCar Series is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series. It is the main goal for all Indy academy drivers.
Only motorsport series powered by ethanol-based 100% Renewable Race Fuel.
The Indianapolis 500, dating back to 1911, is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
Over a million visitors every May, with broadcasts reaching 10-15 million viewers.
Month of May in Indianapolis is a series of events built around the race. Throughout the month, the city hosts parades, celebrations, and a variety of activities, with participation from different institutions.
For visitors, the Month of May offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture. Indianapolis, as a major city, also boasts attractions such as a world-class art museum, PGA-level golf courses, and much more.
The time is now. A rich history of cultural exchange between Finland and the USA has fostered mutual understanding and strengthened diplomatic ties. Newly formed alliances continue to promote further collaboration.
Shared Values and Complementary Strengths. Both nations prioritize innovation, democracy, and free markets. Both nations share a deep respect for sisu and a go-getter attitude. Finland’s excellence in education, technology, clean energy, and sustainable solutions pairs well with the U.S.’s leadership in innovation, resources and market scale.
The United States is the land of opportunity, and being involved with the Academy is an exciting way to explore the country.
Tero Palmroth is the founder of Indy Junior Academy and the first Nordic Indy 500 and CART driver. In his active career from 1988 to 1995 he participated in the Indy 500 six times.
Tero has Finland’s best connections to the American motorsports world.
