Communications Intern, 2026 Season

POSITION TITLE:
Communications Intern

REPORTS TO:
Director Communications

LOCATION:
Indianapolis IN

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Intern

DURATION:
January 2026-September 2026

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment we dont just host world-class eventswe create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) home of the worlds largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the worlds most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North Americas premier open-wheel auto racing series the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its developmental series INDY NXT by Firestone.
• IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
• Motorsports Events Management (MEM) Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track behind the scenes or on the screen our people are at the heart of everything we do. If youre ready for a career where excitement purpose and impact collidewe want to meet you.

WHAT YOULL DO

The Communications Intern will support the Indianapolis Motor Speedways Communications team through a variety of public relations and media-focused tasks. Responsibilities include assisting with announcements and PR events engaging with sports media professionals from around the world and collaborating with various motorsport sanctioning bodies. The intern will play a key role in supporting media relations during major race weekends and will also assist with communications-based projects throughout the year.

In this role youll be an important part of delivering top-tier experiences to fans partners and teams across the motorsports world. Youll take ownership of key responsibilities collaborate across departments and bring energy and innovation to a fast-paced environment.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write press releases media advisories and feature stories for media and
• Assist on statistics and other updates for Indy 500 Media Guide
• Support media center operations
• Collect and report media clips on a regular basis
• Help execute media events and announcements
• Become well-versed in representing Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT INDYCAR SERIES brands
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the IMS brand and various athletes
• Aid with media retention and relationships through engagement and experiences

WHAT YOU BRING

Were looking for someone whos ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.

Required Skills & Experience

• Passionate about sports motorsports and/or sports communications and PR
• High integrity and confidentiality
• Results-oriented and creative
• Strong interpersonal communication analytical written and verbal skills
• Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to lead teams to success
• Local regional and national media knowledge
• Passion for media relations and storytelling
• Ability to maintain high level of energy during entire duration of workday
• Able to work exceptionally well with others in a close team environment
• Positive can-do attitude
• Embodiment of the brand values during every workday
• Ability to be polite courteous and treat all consumers respectfully regardless of the situation
• Compliance with local state and federal law
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged
• Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
• Alignment with Penske Entertainments core values and standards

Education:

• Background in public relations communications or related field
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university with an expected graduation date no earlier than May 2026.

Leadership:

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• Standard hours are MondayFriday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Extended hours required during race weekends and key event periods (especially May) including Memorial Day.
• This position requires physical presence in office during regular business hours.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
• In addition to regular weekly work hours from January through September availability is required for the following key event dates during the 2026 season:

• Month of May Indianapolis 500 Events:

• May 79: Sonsio Grand Prix Race Weekend
• May 1215 & 18: Indy 500 Practice Days
• May 1617: PPG Armed Forces Qualifying
• May 22: Miller Lite Carb Day
• May 2324: Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge Weekend
• Brickyard Weekend:
• July 2526
• IMSA Battle on the Bricks:
• September 1820

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Extended periods of standing or walking (as needed)
• Comfort working indoors/outdoors and around event noise
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast-paced collaborative office and event settings
• Employee is faced with frequent interruptions and must work in close proximity to others.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud due to professional racing events.
• Employee will work in office space during regular business and outdoors during events.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500
• Access to developmental programming and networking events

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Were committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thriveregardless of race gender orientation background or ability.

Required Experience:

Intern