Yahoo Autos Armstrong’s Indy GP sponsor carries special meaning for CGR
The Chip Ganassi Racing team and driver Marcus Armstrong have a new and special sponsor arrangement for this weekend’s Indianapolis Grand Prix, where the No. 11 Honda will feature branding from the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.
The relationship between the team and sponsor is particularly meaningful.
“This livery has a deep personal connection to the team and CGR partner, Schwarz Partners,” the team wrote. “Jeff Schwarz, CEO of Indy-based Schwarz Partners, is a longtime partner with CGR. Jeff lost his battle with cancer last fall. As a tribute to Jeff and the Schwarz family, Ganassi decided on a livery with the IU Simon Cancer Center on the No. 11 car for this year’s Grand Prix to honor Jeff and raise awareness of the important work done at the IU Simon Cancer Center.”
The use of the No. 11 Honda entry for charitable fundraising efforts in relation to the IU Cancer Center began last summer, and continues as a gift to promote the center and raise more funding for its work.
“Jeff served on the board at the center with his wife Jill starting in 2019,” the team added. “He began his fight against glioblastoma in 2022 and worked tirelessly to improve the center. Jeff was able to see the center on the No. 11 car in last August’s Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, months before his passing. Jeff and his family established the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund, and in August 2023, IU used the funding to recruit Jia ‘Zach’ Shen, PhD, an assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics, to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“Based in Bloomington, Dr. Shen’s research laboratory focuses on understanding and preventing the recurrence of glioblastoma. Jeff’s legacy continues in the fund, which at an astounding $1.47 million is one of the largest memorial funds in the history of Indiana University.”
