Non-Profit Initiative

HEADSHIGH

A non-profit initiative supporting active and retired firefighters through immersive motorsports experiences that promote mental wellness, camaraderie, and personal growth.

Heads High — Firefighter Mental Health Support
HEADS HIGH FIREFIGHTER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
MENTAL WELLNESS   ·   CAMARADERIE   ·   MOTORSPORTS   ·   RESILIENCE   ·   SKILL DEVELOPMENT   ·   COMMUNITY   ·   INDYCAR   ·   PURPOSE   ·   STRENGTH   ·   FIREFIGHTERS   ·   MENTAL WELLNESS   ·   CAMARADERIE   ·   MOTORSPORTS   ·   RESILIENCE   ·   SKILL DEVELOPMENT   ·   COMMUNITY   ·   INDYCAR   ·   PURPOSE   ·   STRENGTH   ·   FIREFIGHTERS   ·  

To empower active and retired firefighters to hold their heads high by uniting them through immersive motorsports experiences that promote mental wellness, camaraderie, and personal growth — on and off the track.

WHERE THE TRACK MEETS HEALING

Heads High is a non-profit initiative designed to support active and retired firefighters in managing the mental stress of their demanding careers.

The program focuses on immersive Motorsports Experience Days, offering participants the chance to dive into the high-energy world of professional racing. Through adrenaline-filled activities, teamwork, and mental health support, Heads High empowers firefighters to rediscover purpose, build resilience, and foster community.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

01

Mental Wellness

Offer firefighters a therapeutic and engaging environment to manage work-related stress. Leverage the adrenaline and focus of motorsports to enhance mental health and emotional recovery.

02

Camaraderie

Build strong, supportive relationships among participants through teamwork in high-pressure motorsports scenarios. Create a lasting sense of community that extends beyond the track.

03

Skill Development

Provide hands-on training in motorsports-related activities such as mechanical work, pit crew operations, and racing fundamentals, transferable to everyday life.

04

Awareness

Raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by firefighters through community engagement and storytelling. Advocate for increased support within fire departments.

The #44 Car

DRIVEN BY PURPOSE

Heads High #44 race car branded with Intrado livery
Program Components

MOTORSPORTS EXPERIENCE DAYS

Ride-Alongs

Participants join professional drivers for high-speed laps around the track, experiencing the thrill and adrenaline of motorsports firsthand.

Pit Crew Simulations

Firefighters are introduced to the fast-paced teamwork of pit stops, learning mechanical and coordination skills in real-time scenarios.

Driver Simulators

State-of-the-art simulators provide a safe and accessible way to learn racing fundamentals and improve focus under pressure.

Hands-On Workshops

Participants gain experience in car maintenance, race strategy, and vehicle setup, guided by professional motorsports instructors.

Team Dynamics

Activities emphasize collaboration, communication, and decision-making skills — directly correlating to the teamwork required in firefighting roles.

Mental Wellness Sessions

Integrated sessions with mental health professionals focus on managing trauma and stress, with an emphasis on the therapeutic value of high-energy activities.

Skill-Building Workshops

Participants gain leadership, mechanical, and teamwork skills, with an emphasis on applying these abilities to everyday life.

Community Events

Open track days, car shows, and motorsports expos engage the public, raise awareness, and cheer on the Heads High race car.

IndyCar Integration

UPCOMING EXPERIENCE DAYS

MAY 7–9, 2026

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Performance & Mental Resilience at Scale

As the first major national moment for Heads High within the season, this event establishes the foundation for continued growth across the program. Set at the birthplace of IndyCar, it brings the Heads High Experience to life through meaningful engagement, including time with experienced drivers, technical insights, and live demonstrations, alongside immersive mental health workshops. It offers a space to reinforce focus, decision-making, and composure under pressure, while expanding awareness and connection through purposeful content and shared experience.

JUN 18–21, 2026

Road America

Pre-Season Strategy & Mental Resilience

As the first event featuring two Heads High ambassadors competing on track, this weekend sets the tone for connection and shared support. It offers first responders a space to step into a high-performance environment, explore focus and resilience under pressure, and connect with practical tools and support systems that strengthen mental wellness on and off the job.

JUL 2–5, 2026

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Performance & Resilience Experience

This experience brings learning into action. First responders are placed in a live performance environment where focus, decision-making, and composure are tested in real time, supported by accessible tools and resources that help them stay connected, aware, and supported in the field.

JUL 23–25, 2026

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

High-Speed Commitment & Execution

In a setting where precision matters, this event highlights the importance of confidence and control under pressure. It creates an opportunity for first responders to strengthen decision-making and trust in themselves, while reinforcing the role of preparation, support, and mental readiness.

AUG 6–9, 2026

Portland International Raceway

Performance Application & Communication

Centered around communication and coordination, this event reflects the realities of working in high-pressure environments. It supports first responders in strengthening how they connect, respond, and operate as a team, while highlighting tools and systems that help maintain clarity and mental well-being.

AUG 6–8, 2026

Lime Rock Park

Intensity & Reaction Performance

This fast-paced environment reinforces the importance of staying present and composed under constant pressure. It gives first responders a space to sharpen awareness and responsiveness, while supporting long-term mental performance in demanding conditions.

AUG 14–16, 2026

Streets of Markham

Urban Response & Community Impact

In the Greater Toronto Area, this is where it all comes home. As the backyard of Heads High, this event is built around community, connection, and local support for those who serve. As the second event featuring two Heads High ambassadors on track, it builds on that shared connection, bringing people together to cheer them on in front of a home crowd. It creates a meaningful opportunity to engage directly with first responders and emergency communications professionals, strengthening awareness, support, and access to mental health resources within our community.

AUG 29–30, 2026

Milwaukee Mile

Speed, Commitment & High-Stakes Execution

At one of the fastest tracks in North America, this event highlights trust, commitment, and performance under pressure. It reinforces the importance of confidence in both personal ability and the systems that support first responders in critical moments.

SEP 4–6, 2026

Circuit of the Americas

Season Finale Performance & Global Stage

With over 300,000 fans in attendance, this event brings Heads High to one of the largest stages in motorsport. It creates a powerful opportunity to expand awareness, share the importance of mental health support, and connect first responder wellness to a global audience in a meaningful way.

SEP 24–26, 2026

Road America

Season Finale Performance & Leadership

The season closes with a focus on reflection, growth, and leadership. It reinforces the importance of resilience, continued support, and the lasting impact of prioritizing mental health, ensuring first responders carry these tools forward beyond the track.

PROGRAM ALIGNMENT

Why IndyCar?

Synergy Between Racing & Mental Wellness

By aligning Heads High with IndyCar events, the program creates unique experiences for participants while generating visibility for mental health advocacy and the resilience of firefighters. The synergy between racing culture and mental wellness makes this a powerful platform for both emotional recovery and professional growth. Sponsorship and partner brands gain visibility at high-profile events aligned with first responder communities.

Operational Plan

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORK

Motorsports Teams

Professional racing teams providing mentorship, expertise, and access to facilities.

Fire Departments

Partnering with fire departments to recruit participants and spread awareness.

Mental Health Orgs

Mental health professionals delivering workshops tailored to firefighters' needs.

Corporate Sponsors

Companies sponsoring the Heads High race car with branding visibility at events.

Community Orgs

Local nonprofits expanding program reach and building lasting support networks.

SUPPORT THE MISSION

Heads High relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and institutions who believe in the mental wellness of those who protect our communities.

Donate or Sponsor

BUDGET ALLOCATION

Mental Health Facilities & Equipment 70%
Staffing & Administration 20%
Marketing & Outreach 10%

THE JOY OF CHEERING
FOR HEADS HIGH

The Heads High race car isn't just a vehicle — it's a symbol of resilience, community, and strength. Each race, each lap, is a powerful reminder of the dedication and mental fortitude that firefighters bring to their jobs. Join us in celebrating those who serve.

Join the Community