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 don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
- INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's 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 you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Communications Intern will support the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 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, you’ll be an important part of delivering top-tier experiences to fans, partners, and teams across the motorsports world. You’ll 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, IMS.com and INDYCAR.com
- 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
We’re looking for someone who’s 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 Entertainment’s 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 Monday–Friday, 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 7–9: Sonsio Grand Prix Race Weekend
- May 12–15 & 18: Indy 500 Practice Days
- May 16–17: PPG Armed Forces Qualifying
- May 22: Miller Lite Carb Day
- May 23–24: Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge Weekend
- Brickyard Weekend:
- IMSA TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks:
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. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.
