Simpson to Outfit AMR IndyCar Safety Team in 2025, Launching Expanded Safety Training Program with Holley Performance Brands
Holley Performance Brands, a leader in high-performance automotive aftermarket solutions, has announced a landmark partnership with INDYCAR that will see Simpson Performance Products outfit the entire AMR INDYCAR Safety Team with top-tier safety gear for the 2025 season. The collaboration also introduces enhanced training programs and new safety technologies aimed at elevating motorsport protection standards across all levels of competition.
In a bold move that reinforces its longstanding commitment to safety and innovation, Holley Performance Brands has confirmed that Simpson, one of its most iconic brands, will serve as the official safety outfitter for the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team during the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. This strategic partnership brings together two powerhouses in motorsport safety and aims to set a new standard for driver and crew protection.
The AMR INDYCAR Safety Team, widely regarded as one of the most skilled and experienced emergency response units in motorsports, consists of approximately 30 highly trained professionals—including physicians, paramedics, firefighters, EMTs, and nurses. These frontline responders play a critical role during every INDYCAR event, delivering rapid medical and technical assistance in high-stakes situations.
Beginning in 2025, each member of the team will be equipped with industry-leading fire suits designed and manufactured by Simpson, a brand synonymous with racing safety gear for over 60 years. The suits are built to withstand the extreme heat and physical demands encountered in motorsports, offering an unmatched combination of protection, comfort, and mobility.
A Broader Commitment to Motorsports Safety
But the partnership doesn’t stop at fire suits. Holley Performance Brands, through Simpson and other subsidiaries in its portfolio, is working closely with INDYCAR to implement a wide-ranging safety initiative that goes far beyond gear. The initiative focuses on leveraging data, immersive training, and cutting-edge equipment to raise the bar for motorsport safety at every level—from professional to grassroots.
“At Holley Performance Brands, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s fundamental,” said Matthew Stevenson, President & CEO of Holley Performance Brands. “Through Simpson’s leadership in providing innovative safety solutions, this collaboration with INDYCAR represents the ultimate proving ground for our products. It’s a perfect alignment with our mission to deliver performance, safety, fun, and excitement to automotive enthusiasts, and we’re proud to advance that commitment at the highest levels of motorsport.”
The new collaboration will bring several technology-driven enhancements to trackside operations and safety team training. Among the highlights are:
- Accelerometer-Equipped Helmets: Helmets will now feature embedded accelerometers that measure head movement during simulated and real-life driver extraction scenarios. This data will help refine rescue techniques, reduce the risk of secondary injury, and enable continuous improvement through measurable outcomes.
- Crash Tub Training Program: Using authentic carbon fiber IndyCar crash tubs, safety personnel will participate in immersive training exercises that replicate real-world crash scenarios. These sessions provide hands-on experience in driver extraction under realistic and high-pressure conditions.
- Advanced Safety Gear for Responders: In addition to fire suits, the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team will receive Stilo Composite ST5 helmets outfitted with Eject systems, Simpson 6-Point Safety Harnesses, and HANS (Head and Neck Support) Devices—all rigorously tested and tailored to meet the unique demands of IndyCar racing.
Brian Appelgate, Senior Vice President of Safety & Racing at Holley Performance Brands, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “AMR Safety represents the gold standard in motorsport safety, and we’re honored to support them with our industry-leading safety gear from iconic brands that racers and safety teams know and trust. By combining data-driven innovation with hands-on trackside presence, we’re working to ensure every safety team is equipped and trained to protect drivers in critical moments.”
Building the Future of Motorsport Safety—From Pro Circuits to Grassroots
Beyond the elite IndyCar paddock, Holley Performance Brands and INDYCAR are looking to expand these advancements to the broader racing community. Recognizing that safety challenges and needs span all tiers of motorsport—from local dirt tracks to national road racing circuits—the companies plan to adapt and scale training programs for grassroots motorsport organizations across North America.
This initiative includes developing standardized safety team training curricula, distributing best practices to local racing organizations, and providing access to advanced gear and technology at reduced costs for community-based safety crews. The goal is to make professional-grade safety protocols accessible to all levels of racing, fostering a culture of preparedness and protection throughout the sport.
“Safety is not just for the professionals,” Stevenson added. “By supporting grassroots motorsports with the same philosophy and tools we apply at the highest level, we’re helping create a more sustainable and responsible racing environment for everyone—from young karting drivers to weekend warriors.”
Simpson: A Legacy Built on Innovation and Trust
Simpson Performance Products has long held a place of honor in the world of motorsports. Founded in 1959 by racer and innovator Bill Simpson, the company revolutionized safety gear in racing with innovations like fireproof suits, harness systems, and helmets. Today, it remains one of the most trusted names in the business, equipping countless professional drivers, crew members, and safety teams across a range of motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, and now—officially—INDYCAR’s elite safety team.
The Simpson fire suits to be used in 2025 are made using Nomex and other advanced fire-retardant materials designed for breathability, thermal protection, and durability. The suits also incorporate ergonomic designs, lightweight construction, and customizable fits tailored to the unique needs of the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team.
The 2025 INDYCAR season promises not only thrilling competition on the track but also a renewed focus on safety innovation behind the scenes. Thanks to the strategic alliance between Holley Performance Brands and INDYCAR, safety personnel will be better equipped than ever before, with cutting-edge technology, improved protective gear, and immersive training to ensure peak performance in the moments that matter most.
This forward-thinking partnership underscores a powerful message: that safety is not a static goal but an evolving discipline—one driven by data, technology, and a relentless commitment to those who risk their lives to pursue speed.
As racing continues to evolve, so too must the systems that protect it. And in 2025, Simpson and Holley Performance Brands are leading the charge.
