DHL awards Ultimate Small Business INDYCAR Sweepstakes prize to FLATED

As part of the DHL Ultimate Small Business INDYCAR Sweepstakes, FLATED will take center stage at the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Nashville. FLATED’s logo will be prominently displayed on the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda driven by four-time INDYCAR champion and 2025 Indianapolis 500 winner Alex Palou, and its leadership will receive a VIP race weekend experience, courtesy of DHL.

The DHL Ultimate Small Business INDYCAR Sweepstakes was created to recognize and celebrate the vital role SME’s play in fueling economic growth and innovation. The sweepstakes demonstrates DHL’s commitment to elevating small and medium-sized enterprises around the world by using the global stage of motorsports to spotlight the entrepreneurs behind some of America’s most innovative companies. Open to eligible small and medium-sized businesses across the United States, the Sweepstakes attracted thousands of entries from entrepreneurs representing a wide range of industries. FLATED was randomly selected as the grand prize winner from among all eligible entries.

Founded in 2021 by outdoor industry veterans Monique Keefer, Ken Hoeve, Dan Watts and Ryan Guay, FLATED was born in the surf-centric community of Carlsbad, California, with a mission to solve a common challenge for road trippers and truck owners: the storage, weight and hassle of traditional fiberglass truck caps and rooftop cargo boxes. Today, the company offers an innovative line of lightweight, inflatable truck toppers and vehicle accessories that are durable, tool-free to install and easy to store, providing a smarter, more versatile alternative to bulky automotive gear.

In just a few years, FLATED has earned significant national recognition, including an appearance on Shark Tank, a spot on TIME Magazine’s list of Best Inventions, and multiple Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) awards. Now, the company ships nationwide through its online storefront and an expanding retail dealer network, with growing international distribution in Canada, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Southern Africa.

“The opportunity to see the FLATED logo on an INDYCAR is something we never imagined when we first started the company,” said Ryan Guay, Co-founder / CEO. “It’s incredibly humbling and a reminder of how far we’ve come. Moments like this happen because of an amazing team, loyal customers, and a lot of people who believed in us from the beginning. We’re so appreciative of DHL and Chip Ganassi Racing for the opportunity to reach even more outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a new travel and storage solution as they hit the open road on their next adventure.”

Following the random drawing, DHL learned that FLATED was already using DHL's international shipping services to support its product development and global expansion. DHL's speed-to-market advantage has enabled FLATED to quickly deliver prototypes to its team and international partners, allowing the company to test, refine, and launch vehicle-specific products ahead of many competitors in the space.

“At DHL, we believe small businesses are the engine of the global economy, and this sweepstakes is just one example of how we're committed to shining a spotlight on the remarkable stories behind them,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO, DHL Express U.S. “FLATED is exactly the kind of innovative, driven company that inspires us. They identified a gap in the market, built something truly original, and are now taking their brand global.”

DHL’s commitment to empowering small and medium sized businesses extends beyond race day. Through DISCOVER by DHL, DHL shares practical insights, success stories, and global trade expertise to help entrepreneurs grow with confidence, whether they're expanding across the country or entering new international markets.