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ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — June 16, 2026 — Some of the biggest names in motorsports will trade their race suits for bar aprons at the annual Elkhart Lake Welcome Party, which supports The American Legion, at the Siebkens Stop-Inn Tavern on Thursday, June 18.
Former Indianapolis 500 champions Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan will be among the celebrities participating in the beloved race-week tradition that features live music, classic cars and charitable giving. The event’s signature attraction, the INDYCAR Celebrity Bartender Challenge, raised more than $26,000 in 2025 and organizers are aiming even higher this year.
The concept is simple: racing celebrities step behind the bar and compete to raise the most money through tips and donations, with every dollar supporting Racing for Kids and The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.
Details:
What: Elkhart Lake Welcome Party
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 18
Where: Siebkens Stop-Inn Tavern, 284 South Lake Street. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Admission: Free and open to the public
Highlights:
• INDYCAR Celebrity Bartender Challenge, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Live music on the outdoor bandstand
• Classic car show
• Racing celebrity appearances
• Exclusive merchandise and charitable fundraising opportunities
“This party is one of my favorite stops of the entire season,” said James Hinchcliffe, six-time INDYCAR race winner and FOX Sports analyst. “There’s nothing quite like being behind the bar at Siebkens, surrounded by the best fans in racing, all while raising money for two incredible causes. Bring your friends, bring your family and don’t forget to tip your bartenders.”
“Racing For Kids®, a long-time partner with INDYCAR, is very pleased to again be a beneficiary of the popular Elkhart Lake Welcome Party,” said Pat Wright, CEO of Racing for Kids. “We are especially honored this year to be partnering with The American Legion during our country’s yearlong 250th birthday celebration. Nothing says America better than caring for our sick and hospitalized children as well as our veterans in need.”
Funds raised through the Celebrity Bartender Challenge will support Racing for Kids and The American Legion. Racing for Kids uses the popularity of motorsports to raise awareness and funding for children’s healthcare initiatives, while The American Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation provides services for disabled veterans and grants for military families in need.
“We are pleased that INDYCAR and others are supporting The American Legion through this initiative,” said American Legion Marketing Commission Chairman Paul Evenson. “This is a fun way to support our nation’s veterans and children, as well as celebrating 250 years of America. We are honored to be part of this.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the festivities and tip generously during the Celebrity Bartender Challenge to help make 2026 the most successful fundraising year in the event’s history.
In addition to Franchitti, Kanaan and Hinchcliffe, this year’s celebrity lineup includes:
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Jack Harvey – Indianapolis 500 veteran and FOX Sports pit reporter
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Kevin Lee – Veteran motorsports broadcaster and FOX Sports pit reporter
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Michael Shank – Co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing and winning team owner of the 2026 Indianapolis 500
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Louis Foster – 2025 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver
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Rinus VeeKay – INDYCAR driver, Juncos Hollinger Racing
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David Hobbs – Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, longtime television commentator, and proud Elkhart Lake resident.
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Augie Pabst Jr. – Owner, Pabst Racing
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Bryce Aron, Carson Etter and James Roe – Rising INDY NXT stars
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Hunter McElrea – IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver and former INDY NXT competitor
For more event information, please go to https://bit.ly/elwp
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