At this year’s Indy 500, country superstar Blake Shelton did more than perform—he shared a heartfelt tribute that blended patriotism, personal memories, and music. And he wasn’t alone. Shelton teamed up with longtime friend and racing legend Jimmie Johnson for a very special collaboration that honored the U.S. military—and the memory of Shelton’s late father.
The two met back in 2003 when both were rising stars in their fields: Shelton was the new voice in country music, and Johnson was the fresh face of NASCAR. Now, more than two decades later, their shared respect for military service brought them back together for something unforgettable.
A Helmet With Heart
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend and the 106th running of the Indy 500, Shelton and Johnson worked together to design a custom helmet for Johnson to wear during the big race. The reveal happened at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where the pair reflected on their deep family ties to the military.
For Shelton, the tribute was deeply personal. His late father, Richard Lee “Dick” Shelton, served in Korea just after the war as an honor guard, and his brother, Richie, also served in the Army.
“My dad was a veteran… and a huge Indy 500 fan,” Blake shared. “That was his Super Bowl. He’d be incredibly proud that I’m doing this—and super jealous, too.”
Shelton’s father passed away in 2012, and Blake admitted he wishes he could go back and ask more about his dad’s time in the service.
“He didn’t talk about it much. Now that he’s gone, I have a million questions I’d ask him if I could.”
Music That Matters
While working with Johnson, Shelton also opened up about the unexpected impact his music has had on members of the military over the years.
“When you do this long enough, you can forget just how much your music means to people,” he said. “But then a soldier tells you, ‘Your song got me through my tour in the Middle East,’ and it just stops you in your tracks.”
Shelton said those moments have always reminded him that music—even when it’s just meant to entertain—can become a lifeline for someone far from home.
“It reminds me what we do really matters.”
Johnson echoed that sentiment, thanking Blake for being a part of such a meaningful project.
“Thank you so much for helping design a helmet that means so much to me—and to the American Legion,” Johnson said.
Blake, clearly moved, responded:
“Honestly, I feel silly being thanked. This is an honor—it was a no-brainer for me.”
The Big Reveal
When the custom-designed helmet was finally unveiled, Shelton’s reaction said it all:
“Unbelievable. I love it!”
Johnson agreed, saying, “It came out beautiful.”
The helmet, rich in symbolism and created with veterans in mind, will make its debut when Johnson drives the No. 48 Carvana IndyCar at the Indy 500.
How to Watch the Race
The 106th Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 29, with live coverage starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on NBC. Fans can also stream it on the NBC Sports App and NBCSports.com.
From family memories to military honor, this year’s Indy 500 promises to be about more than just speed—it’s about legacy, gratitude, and the power of connection.
