Racing to save lives: Indy 500 and NASCAR drivers unite to fight prostate cancer in veterans

This Memorial Day weekend, the roar of engines at some of America’s biggest motorsports events will be accompanied by a more urgent and life-saving message: prostate cancer awareness for U.S. military Veterans. With millions watching the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 and BetMGM 300, the nonprofit ZERO Prostate Cancer is leveraging the spectacle of racing to bring national attention to a sobering fact—Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to the general population.

The collaboration between ZERO and motorsports teams is not a casual branding exercise. It is a calculated public health push that aligns visibility with action. Through strategic partnerships with Juncos Hollinger Racing and major NASCAR teams, ZERO aims to move the needle on early detection, screening, and awareness during a weekend traditionally reserved for commemorating fallen soldiers.

What Role Do Motorsports Play in This Health Campaign?

At the heart of this campaign lies a bold initiative: ZERO’s commitment to saving 100,000 lives by 2035. This effort targets underserved groups including Veterans, Black men, and individuals in rural communities—demographics that continue to bear the brunt of prostate cancer diagnoses and fatalities. The integration of prostate cancer awareness into motorsports is especially potent given the patriotic atmosphere of Memorial Day and the sport’s strong fan base among Veteran and military families.

During the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, ZERO’s branding will be displayed on two cars driven by Conor Daly and Sting Ray Robb, both racing for Juncos Hollinger Racing. This event, which commands global attention as the world’s largest single-day sporting event, presents an unparalleled platform to broadcast the message of early detection.

Simultaneously, NASCAR will see the message hit the tracks at two marquee races. The No. 66 Ford Mustang, driven by Josh Bilicki in the Coca-Cola 600, and the No. 53 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by JJ Yeley in the BetMGM 300, will both carry ZERO branding. These appearances are supported by AstraZeneca, a key partner in this campaign and a leading voice in oncology pharmaceuticals.

Why Focus on Veterans and Prostate Cancer Now?

The statistics are impossible to ignore: every 15 minutes, a man in the United States dies from prostate cancer. Over three million American men are currently living with the disease, yet awareness among the most affected communities remains alarmingly low. Military Veterans, due to various service-related exposures and systemic screening gaps, face a dramatically elevated risk. Despite this, many remain unaware of their vulnerability or delay vital conversations with their doctors.

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance, but for ZERO, it’s also an opportunity to protect and preserve the lives of those who have served. The choice to link their advocacy with motorsports is more than symbolic—it is tactical. Racing audiences skew heavily toward older male demographics, many of whom are either Veterans themselves or connected to someone who is.

By embedding their message within this cultural moment, ZERO is not just spreading awareness; it is mobilizing communities to take proactive health steps. From PSA screenings to risk assessment consultations, the campaign encourages men—particularly those in high-risk groups—to engage with their health before symptoms appear.

How Are Drivers and Teams Supporting the Cause?

The drivers involved are not just lending their vehicles; they are lending their voices. Josh Bilicki, driving in the Coca-Cola 600, stressed that the initiative is deeply personal and potentially life-changing. He emphasized that even if one person takes the step to get tested because of this campaign, the effort would be worthwhile.

JJ Yeley, piloting the ZERO-branded car in the BetMGM 300, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the intersection between the motorsports community and the Veteran population. As a 48-year-old driver, Yeley noted that the message of awareness hits particularly close to home for men his age.

Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, reinforced the urgency of the effort. She pointed to the millions living with the disease and the growing need to confront it with aggressive outreach. For her, the Memorial Day message goes beyond tribute—it’s a rallying cry to prevent future loss.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca’s Daniele Paone, Vice President of the GYN/GU Cancer Franchise in the U.S., expressed the pharmaceutical company’s support. She emphasized that the collaboration represents a larger goal to spotlight the urgency of men’s health issues and bring life-saving information to high-risk communities.

What Is the Broader Impact of This Campaign on Public Health Awareness?

This campaign exemplifies the evolving nature of public health advocacy. No longer confined to hospitals, clinics, or healthcare-focused media, modern campaigns are increasingly meeting the public where they are—at stadiums, on TV broadcasts, and within pop culture. This shift reflects a deeper understanding that behavioral change starts with awareness, and awareness starts with visibility.

By tapping into the drama and spectacle of racing, ZERO Prostate Cancer is transforming entertainment into education. It is leveraging fan loyalty, media coverage, and Memorial Day’s cultural resonance to prompt action among millions of men who may otherwise ignore silent health threats.

The approach also aligns with wider health equity conversations, particularly around ensuring that underserved populations—including rural residents and communities of color—are not left behind in the fight against cancer. When an issue is brought into the mainstream through beloved platforms like IndyCar and NASCAR, it becomes harder to overlook.

What Should Viewers and Readers Take Away This Memorial Day?

From the starting grid at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the final lap at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one message is cutting through the engine noise this Memorial Day: know your risk and take control of your health. Whether viewers are tuning in for the adrenaline or the tradition, they are also being handed a reminder that some races—the ones against disease—are even more urgent.

ZERO’s presence at these events is a poignant acknowledgment that honoring the fallen must also mean safeguarding the living. In focusing on prostate cancer awareness among Veterans, this campaign not only respects the past but actively fights for a healthier future.

For those watching at home or in the stands, the call to action is clear: speak with your doctor, get screened, and encourage the men in your life to do the same. Because when the checkered flag waves, it should signal not just the end of a race—but the beginning of hope for countless families.