Indy 500 team target fans

With possibly three New Zealanders racing IndyCars next year, motorsport fans are being given the chance to part-own an Indy 500 car in what is believed to be a first for the category.

Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin are definite starters next year, while Formula 2 racer Marcus Armstrong recently tested an IndyCar and is keen to put a deal together for 2023.

The Indy 500 is arguably the world’s biggest motorsport event and Marotti Autosport are offering fans a chance to own part of their Indy 500 team effort.

“As a lifelong race fan, I want you, the race fan and heart of this sport, to experience the excitement and passion of the Indy 500, and the events leading up to it, like never before,” said team owner Will Marotti.

Crowd funding has been around in various guises for years but selling a stake in an Indy 500 team this way is thought to be a first.

Potential investments run from a maximum of US$50,000 ($87,000) — which earns a 5 per cent stake in the team and 5 per cent of any prize money — down to US$2500 ($4300).

Carrots for investors, depending on the amount, include being eligible for Indy 500 VIP suite passes for race day and bonus track day options in May, IndyCar two-seater rides, attending the driver autograph session and a private garage tour.

Marotti Autosport are not one of the big names in IndyCar but have a solid pedigree. The team was launched in 2015 and partnered with Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports for the 100th running of the Indy 500 in 2016, when they finished 12th after running as high as fourth near the end of the race.

The team has also run in selected other IndyCar championship races and has contested the Road to Indy feeder series.