The Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix makes its return to Barber Motorsports Park Friday, April 26th – Sunday, April 28th and offers a full weekend of racing for a great cause.

The state’s premier INDYCAR event will celebrate its 14th year in Birmingham, and is one of 17 Indy races in the US. Since last year, Medical Properties Trust has acted as the race’s title sponsor and has greatly increased awareness of the incredible work of Children’s of Alabama Hospital by showcasing their impact in the state and beyond. 

“We’ve had a great relationship with the hospital since 2010,” says George Dennis, president of Zoom Motorsports. “Last year we decided, ‘let’s stick our flag in the ground to rally around the hospital’s incredible work and make it truly impactful.’” 

In 2023, the race was renamed to the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix as they entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement with Medical Properties Trust, who then dedicated the entitlement to Children’s of Alabama. The impact of the hospital cannot be understated — as the largest pediatric hospital in the state, Children’s of AL treats patients from every county and is ranked one of the best hospitals in the nation.

The weekend kicks off with a charity dinner and silent auction, of which all proceeds benefit Children’s of Alabama. A percentage of all ticket sales will also benefit the hospital’s work; last year was the largest crowd since the inaugural event and raised over $350,000.

“Birmingham is known for its charitable spirit, and we’ve been privileged to witness the community’s generous support firsthand,” Dennis remarks.

And the support reaches beyond Birmingham – last year the event brought in visitors from nearly a dozen countries, and Dennis believes they are on track to do that again. The races are also broadcast live on NBC to over 100 nations. “It puts a lot of eyeballs on us,” says Dennis. “It’s a real opportunity to increase awareness of the hospital’s work and its statewide and national impact.”

But the weekend is much more than racing. The three days at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Museum also include a Fan Zone with interactive exhibits and a ferris wheel, a Kids Zone with games and inflatables, a car corral with a vintage car display, and even an Indy 5K race which is held on the race track.

Alongside the interactive exhibits is a unique opportunity for students – a Workforce Development Career Fair, “Gear Up Your Career.” In partnership with Honda, the program allows students to learn about skilled labor jobs such as auto manufacturing, and even network with potential employers. 

“We get to bring thousands of students out here and provide a hands-on experience,” explains Dennis. “The ultimate goal is to take a student who may not be interested in a 4-year degree program and help them understand what opportunities are available to them.

There is clearly something for everyone at the weekend event – from fun and games to potential job opportunities. And nothing brings a crowd together like food; refreshments are widely available with a variety of vendors and food trucks alongside the Trackside Social, where fans can enjoy a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and a variety of bourbons.

But it’s the big picture, and the overall reach and impact of the event, that brings a smile to Dennis as he reflects on the event’s preparation. “The race weekend truly brings people together. We welcome people from all walks of life, from all over the world, and we bring them together for a weekend to have a good time. Witnessing the culmination of our team’s efforts makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Tickets for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix start at $25, and kids 15 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket. 

For more information, volunteer opportunities, and to purchase tickets, visit indyalabama.com.