Indy 500's 'Team America' Has Chatham Roots

CHATHAM, N.J. – When John Galiher opened his Preferred Freezer Services business in 1989, he never expected to be the official sponsor of two racecars competing in the annual Indianapolis 500.

But now, 27 years later, the CEO of the Chatham-based national business is doing just that, with two cars ready to run in the May 29 race.

Drivers JR Hildebrand and Josef Newgarden of Ed Carpenter Racing will be commandeering Preferred Freezer Services’ vehicles. It’s the only racing team in the 100th running of the event with every driver born in the U.S., hence the “Team America” moniker. The drivers will be in cars numbered 6 and 21.

Preferred Freezer Services started out with one warehouse in Perth Amboy in 1989, and now operates 35 buildings across the country, including Richland, Washington, the largest refrigerated warehouse in North America.

The 500-mile race begins at 12:19 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Find out more here.

Photos Courtesy Preferred Freezer Services