INDIANAPOLIS — Cummins Inc. and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway dropped the green flag on a sponsorship deal that honors the company’s historic ties to auto racing, and celebrates the Columbus-based diesel engine and technology company’s centennial and its future.
In the lobby of its Distribution Business headquarters in downtown Indianapolis, Cummins officials announced a five-year sponsorship agreement with IMS on Wednesday morning, with the speedway’s top official, elected lawmakers and about 100 company employees in attendance.
Cummins Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Jennifer Rumsey said the agreement was a natural fit for two Hoosier-born organizations that have both led their industries for 100 or more years.
“It’s about a shared legacy and a vision for innovation,” Rumsey said.
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And, it’s about Cummins raising its profile, she added, and the famed racing venue made sense.
“It’s important we have a presence at the IMS, and that people know every day we are innovating and developing new solutions to help our customers be successful,” Rumsey said.
As part of the deal, company signage will be present at the speedway for its racing events: the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and IndyCar Grand Prix. Cummins signage will also be seen on the iconic scoring pylon located at the start-finish line. The company also will have a presence in the speedway’s museum, with a show car and interactive video displays.
One special part of the partnership and Cummins’ anniversary celebration is that the five diesel-powered race cars it entered in the Indianapolis 500 from 1931 to 1952 — the only diesel-powered engines ever to compete in the race — are being restored so they can participate in a parade lap around the track before this year’s Indy 500 — an event that has worldwide interest.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to recognize two iconic institutions in the state of Indiana,” Rumsey said.
The company also will have a Cummins Day on May 16 at the track for employees.
Cummins, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its 1919 founding by Clessie Cummins, has ties to the speedway and Indianapolis 500 race dating to 1911.
“This, to me, is a most natural fit. The history … is astounding. What an amazing relationship over so many years to see the innovation in technology that Cummins brings to the world and has brought to the track. All that it has done helps us establish innovation as part of who we are,” said Mark Miles, president and chief executive officer of Hulman & Co., which owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Columbus’ two state legislators who represent portions of Bartholomew County, Sen. Greg Walker and Rep. Ryan Lauer, honored Cummins’ history by sharing and presenting to the company a resolution passed by both chambers that lauds the company for its growth, innovation and community impact.
Cummins makes diesel engines, generators, fuel systems and has started an electrification business segment. It has 62,000 employees worldwide and customers in 190 countries.
Walker noted race tracks have often served as test grounds for manufacturers to push their machinery and see what they can build.
Cummins’ 1931 Indianapolis 500 entry is the only car ever to complete the race without a pit stop, and the 1952 entry was the first turbocharged car that also won the Indy pole.
Cummins’ ties to the Indianapolis 500 and the speedway go beyond the five diesel-powered race cars. The company’s founder served as a pit crew member for driver Ray Harroun in 1911, when he won the inaugural race in the famed Marmon Wasp.
Also, the company was a sponsor of a 1987 entry that Al Unser Jr. drove to victory lane for a record-tying fourth time.
“It’s just a great story to tell about this relationship and the impact it has had on the entire world,” Walker said.
Lauer noted during the presentation of the resolution the role Cummins has played for decades in providing opportunities for women and minorities, supporting civil rights and ethical decisions and working to have a positive impact on communities.
After the presentation, Lauer elaborated, noting former chairman J. Irwin Miller was involved with Martin Luther King Jr. in planning and participating in the March on Washington in 1963, and was an adviser for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson on matters that led to the Civil Rights Act in 1964. He also noted that the company stopped doing business in South Africa in the 1980s because of the country’s policy of apartheid.
The Cummins’ Foundation’s involvement in architectural projects in the Columbus community has benefited the city and made it known for Modern design worldwide.
“Cummins has been a leader in moving our communities forward,” Lauer said.
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To read the text of Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 that honors Cummins Inc., go online to:
iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/resolutions/senate/concurrent/37
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Highlights of Cummins Inc.’s five-year sponsorship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway include:
- Cummins signage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including on the scoring pylon at the start-finish line, for the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and IndyCar Grand Prix racing events
- Show car with Cummins 100th anniversary graphics on it at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, along with interactive historic videos
- Cummins videos on screens at the track
- The five Cummins diesel-powered race cars that competed in the 1931, 1934, 1950 and 1952 Indianapolis 500 races will participate in a parade lap before this year’s Indy 500
- Cummins Day for employees at the speedway on May 16
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