Drivers in Focus: IndyCar Stars Trade Wheels for Cups

IndyCar fans are in for a treat as drivers from Ed Carpenter Racing trade their wheels for cups to meet with coffee lovers. On Monday afternoon, the team will serve coffee at Java House's Zionsville shop during a special meet and greet.

"It's just huge for us," said Matt Thompson, Director of Communications and Content for Heartland Food Products Group, which produces Splenda, the main sponsor of Christian Rasmussen's No. 21 Chevrolet IndyCar. "It's just so much fun to see the Java House car, the Splenda car, going around the tracks all over the country."

As part of their partnership, Java House locations collaborated with Ed Carpenter Racing's drivers - Ed Carpenter, Alexander Rossi, and Christian Rasmussen. Each driver filled out a survey, and then baristas crafted special drinks named after them.

Rasmussen says it's been great to meet with fans: "Indy in May is something special," he said. "It really comes alive. Just being at the Speedway as a driver ... walking around in a fire suit at the Speedway in May, you feel like a rock star. You literally can't walk anywhere without people coming up to you. So it's super cool, engaging with everyone, seeing the support, feeling the support."

Fans will have the opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with replicas of IndyCar Series vehicles during Monday's event, which runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Java House will also host another meet and greet at Carmel Clay Terrace on May 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the meet and greets, Java House will have additional activities throughout the month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including autograph sessions, drink samples, and prize drawings.