Inside FOX Sports' Creative Process: How IndyCar Promos Come to Life

Inside FOX Sports' Creative Process: How IndyCar Promos Come to Life

By Michael Harrison

February 8, 2025 at 03:46 AM

FOX Sports' creative process for their new IndyCar promotional campaign focuses on humanizing drivers and showcasing their unique personalities, marking a significant shift in motorsport marketing.

The Los Angeles-based Special Group, led by creative directors Alice Blastorah and Josh Hacohen, developed distinctive promos for Josef Newgarden and Alex Palou, with Pato O'Ward's spot scheduled for Super Bowl weekend.

Key Aspects of the Creative Approach:

  • Focus on driver personalities rather than technical aspects
  • Research-driven understanding of what makes IndyCar unique
  • Emphasis on IndyCar being the fastest circuit racing on Earth
  • Creation of larger-than-life personas while maintaining authenticity

Men watching ping pong match

Men watching ping pong match

Driver-Specific Treatments:

Josef Newgarden:

  • Portrayed as calculated and precise
  • Embraced potential for dramatic characterization
  • Incorporated references to his competitive nature

Man smiling in blue sweater

Man smiling in blue sweater

Alex Palou:

  • Highlighted his introspective nature
  • Focused on his single-minded dedication to racing
  • Created contrasting style to Newgarden's promo

Pato O'Ward (Upcoming):

  • Will showcase his daredevil personality
  • Emphasizes his massive fan following
  • Planned for Super Bowl weekend debut

Man standing in elevator

Man standing in elevator

The campaign has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the IndyCar community, with fans particularly appreciating the focus on drivers' personalities and the authentic representation of the sport. FOX Sports' marketing strategy aims to attract new viewers while satisfying core fans through engaging, personality-driven content.

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