POSITION TITLE:
Marketing Intern
REPORTS TO:
Senior Manager, Community Outreach and Fan Engagement
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
As a Marketing Intern, you will contribute directly to marketing initiatives surrounding the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Brickyard 400. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is seeking a motivated individual to join our team for this exciting opportunity. You’ll gain hands-on experience in sports marketing, community programming, influencer relations, and experiential activations at one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.
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
Support Community Programs & Initiatives
- Assist in planning and executing community outreach programs, art/music-based activations, and fan engagement events across Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
Influencer Partnerships
- Help identify, coordinate, and maintain relationships with social media influencers and local creators to expand IMS’s digital reach.
- Support content creation, scheduling, and community engagement across IMS’s digital platforms.
Engage Stakeholders
- Work closely with internal teams, community partners, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of programs and events.
Activate Experiential Marketing
- Help plan and execute on-site fan experiences and promotional activations that bring the IMS brand to life. Contribute to marketing campaigns for the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, and other marquee IMS/INDYCAR events.
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 Experience & Skills:
- Must be 21+
- Creative thinker with a passion for digital trends, content creation, and community engagement programs
- Basic knowledge of social media platforms, analytics tools, and influencer marketing is a plus
- Basic knowledge and use of Microsoft programs
- Possess strong interpersonal, communication, analytical, written, and verbal skills
- Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to lead teams to success
- Local market knowledge is a plus
- Passion for community engagement and storytelling
- Bilingual candidates preferred
- High integrity and confidentiality
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
- Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards
Education:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a four-year college or university, pursuing a degree in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, or a related field
Leadership:
- This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities
FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL
- Must have 100% availability during event times:
-
- February 13: 100 Days Party
- May 1: Official Kick-Off to May
- May 9: Sonsio Grand Prix Race
- May 12-17: Indianapolis 500 Practice and Qualifications Weekend
- May 20: Indianapolis 500 Community Day
- May 22: Miller Lite Carb Day
- May 23: Legends Day
- May 24: 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge
- July 25-26: Brickyard 400 presented by PPG
- Additional days may be required for set-up and tear down of events
- Extended hours required during race weekends and key event periods (especially May)
- Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
- Extended periods of standing or walking (as needed)
- Comfortable working indoors/outdoors and around event noise
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Fast-paced, collaborative office and event settings
- Staff will experience frequent interruptions and must be prepared to interact with others on a regular basis
INTERNSHIP BENEFITS & PERKS
- Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500
- Access to developmental programming and networking events
- Exposure to experiential marketing, community partnerships, influencer strategy, and event promotions
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.
