Rossi picks up NAPA as a primary sponsor for the Indy 500

Rossi is piloting the No. 98 in his 500 debut, a Honda fielded as a collaboration between Andretti Autosport and Bryan Herta.

“We’re excited to begin a relationship with another storied American brand for this landmark event,” said Andretti Autosport head Michael Andretti. “This will be NAPA’s first time serving as a full primary sponsor in the Verizon IndyCar Series, and I’m honored to have Andretti Autosport chosen to represent their brand.”

Rossi, 24, has spent the last few years in Europe pursuing a career in Formula 1. He won races in both GP3 and GP2 before stepping up to F1 with Manor. In five starts last year, he finished as high as 12th.

For NAPA, they will now be attempting the double in a way, serving as both the primary sponsor for Rossi in the 500 and for NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie Chase Elliott in the Coca Cola 600. 

“Andretti Autosport symbolizes the excellence NAPA AUTO PARTS has maintained for nearly 100 years," added Tip Tollison, president of NAPA Balkamp of Indianapolis. "With this being the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500, I cannot think of anything that makes the historic event more complete than the joining of a premier racing family and a premier auto parts company."