Texas A&M Joins Forces with NASCAR’s Haas and IndyCar’s Rosenqvist
Texas A&M University is making a high-octane return to motorsports in 2025. The university announced season-long partnerships with the Haas Factory Team (HFT) in NASCAR and driver Felix Rosenqvist in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
These collaborations mark a significant move for Texas A&M, a top-ranked public university known for its service-minded citizens and research. By aligning with passionate fan communities, Texas A&M aims to spotlight its values and commitment to military personnel, while offering unique opportunities for its students.
Texas A&M’s NASCAR Partnership with Haas Factory Team
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In 2025, Texas A&M will be a season-long associate sponsor of the No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford Mustang, driven by Cole Custer. This partnership builds on the university’s 2024 involvement with the Gene Haas-owned organization.
The university will be the primary sponsor during the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s most iconic races. The event features patriotic military tributes and performances.
Highlighting Military Commitment
Texas A&M’s military livery, which debuted at the Phoenix Raceway NASCAR Cup Series race in November 2024, will be prominently featured at the Coca-Cola 600 during Memorial Day weekend. The No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford Mustang will have a military-centric paint scheme, featuring Aggie Maroon and camouflage.
This design honors fallen military servicemembers and signifies Texas A&M’s commitment to military-affiliated individuals. During the Coca-Cola 600’s 600 Miles of Remembrance, Captain Ronald Forrester, an Aggie and Marine aviation navigator missing in action after a combat mission in North Vietnam, will be honored.
His name will be displayed on Cole Custer’s windshield during the race, with his family attending.
INDYCAR Partnership with Felix Rosenqvist
Texas A&M will also sponsor Felix Rosenqvist in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Rosenqvist, known as FRO, is in his seventh INDYCAR season and his second with Meyer Shank Racing.
He is currently fourth in the championship point standings and is considered one of the fastest drivers in the series.
Enhanced Visibility and Engagement
Texas A&M will appear on Rosenqvist’s uniform and helmet, providing significant onboard camera coverage during INDYCAR races on FOX, the INDYCAR app, and social media. This partnership offers season-long exposure, reaching its peak on Sunday, May 25, known as the *Greatest Day in Motorsports*.
This day features the Indianapolis 500 in the midday and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in the evening, both celebrating America and honoring fallen military servicemembers.
Unique Learning Opportunities for Texas A&M Students
The partnership with HFT will provide Texas A&M students with hands-on learning opportunities in elite-level motorsports. HFT will select two students for paid summer internships at its race shop in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Additionally, 10 students will be hosted at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 3. They will have an immersive behind-the-scenes experience with HFT engineers in the garage and on the track.
Supporting Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students
With roots as a senior military college, Texas A&M has supported veterans and military-affiliated students for nearly 150 years. The university currently educates nearly 1,300 student-veterans, many of whom benefit from resources offered by the Don and Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource and Support Center.
This center helps students with admissions, maximizing Veteran Affairs education benefits, and career planning after graduation. Texas A&M is also home to the Corps of Cadets, the largest uniformed student body outside the military academies.
The Corps consistently commissions more officers into the armed forces than any other school outside the service academies. It develops leaders of character and offers programs to prepare graduates for leadership in the military, corporate America, government service, and the private sector.
Expanding Visibility and Engagement
National visibility through broadcast, digital, and social media, as well as in-person audiences, creates a strong platform to showcase Texas A&M’s mission. This effort supports veteran and military-affiliated students and families and produces graduates who are leaders of character in today’s global society.
Growing Audience Reach
With 80 million fans nationwide, 31% of NASCAR followers are currently serving in the military, have served, or work in military-specific occupations. The NASCAR Cup Series’ television audience has increased by 12% year-over-year through the first four races of 2025.
4.1 million viewers tuned in to the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season debut on FOX saw a 45% year-over-year audience boost, attracting 1.42 million viewers.
According to R. Ethan Braden, vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at Texas A&M, these partnerships present natural avenues to communicate what Texas A&M stands for with great visibility and shared values. Motorsports offer cost-effective and efficient national reach with deep fan engagement and a values-aligned audience for Texas A&M University.
Both Custer and Rosenqvist share enthusiasm about the partnerships. Custer expressed pride in carrying the Texas A&M branding on the No. 41 Ford Mustang, while Rosenqvist looks forward to partnering with Texas A&M in the 2025 INDYCAR season and supporting their efforts to honor military-affiliated personnel.
For more information on Texas A&M’s motorsports partnerships, visit the original announcement on Speedway Digest.
