Where the tires never get tired: May to remember at the Indy 500

As the school year winds down and calendars overflow with end-of-year celebrations, one highlight races to the top – Race Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each May, the city roars to life with the legendary Indy 500, and this year was no exception. The excitement around “Own the Volume” weekend made it one for the books, where – truly – those tires never get tired.

What makes this May even more special is going to cheer for Racers and the Pacers. They are building community connections brick by brick, dunk by dunk. The collaboration echoed the spirit of what Indy is all about – tradition, innovation, and unity on the track and at the stadium.

Indianapolis has steadily grown its global fan base over the years, and it’s no surprise. From the exhilarating energy of the race to the cherished family memories built in the stands, the Indy 500 is more than just a race – it’s a feeling. I’ve lived that feeling in many ways: from my younger daughter’s adorable “kiss the bricks” Girl Scout moment to celebrating my older daughter’s birthday trackside one unforgettable May. And of course, there was the time I walked in the Indy 500 parade in 2019 with my daughter Bhavya Miss Indiana queen – a memory that still makes my heart race.

 

 

 

This year, to make room for new fans to experience the full Race Day thrill, we decided to attend a practice race the weekend before. Even then, the atmosphere was electric. The engines. The colors. The traditions. Everything that makes the month of May in Indy so iconic was there, loud and proud.

But one of the most inspiring moments this May happened off the track – at the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, where we had the privilege of meeting trailblazing women in motorsports through the groundbreaking Sim 4 STEM program. This initiative encourages young girls to get behind the wheel, break gender gaps, and imagine a future in motorsports – not just as spectators, but as drivers, engineers, and leaders.

Girls got hands-on experience with simulators, learned to change tires, check oil, and understand the mechanics and logistics that fuel this high-speed world. My younger daughter had the incredible opportunity to learn directly from Nicci Daly, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian and World Cup silver medalist, who now leads Formula Female. Alongside her was Stefy Bau, owner of Init Esports, a three-time world champion and global advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. Stefy’s mentorship and advice to the girls were nothing short of empowering – reminding them they can choose any path, even in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Together, Nicci and Stefy co-founded the Sim 4 STEM program, launching one of the first-ever STEM racing simulators within a Girl Scout council – right here in Indianapolis. Their commitment to shaping the next generation of “girls in gears” is inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity my daughter and other Girl Scouts had to learn from these two powerful role models.

Many families across Indiana have their own ways of celebrating Race Day weekend, whether they’re at the track or tuning in from home. One of my favorite traditions is strolling through neighborhoods and local events, spotting the black-and-white checkered flags waving proudly from porches and storefronts. It’s a signal: May is here, and Indy is in full gear.

Of course, the food is part of the fun. Imagine munching on cheese taters, giant pretzels, and buttery popcorn while perched on the bleachers, surrounded by cheers and the swoosh of race cars zipping by. The smell of fair food and sunscreen blends with the rumble of engines – it’s a sensory celebration. Families come prepared with coolers, snacks, hydration, and plenty of SPF.

This year, however, May brought a twist – showers instead of sun. But in true Hoosier spirit, no drizzle could dampen the day. Umbrellas popped up, ponchos made an appearance, and fans stayed rooted in joy.

Because rain or shine, the Indy 500 is about heart, heritage, horsepower – and hope for the next generation.

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your Race Weekend traditions, experiences, and stories by emailing at tasteofcommunity25@gmail.com.

Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.