By RICHIE HALL
For decades, Carmel High School sports fans who haven’t been able to attend games have tuned to WHJE radio to follow their favorite teams.
This past weekend, four WHJE staff members took a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, joining hundreds of other media organizations to cover Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. The race was an exciting one, with Frenchman Simon Pagenaud outdueling Californian (and 2016 champion) Alexander Rossi to win on the famed oval.
The race was well-documented by WHJE’s Ross Abdellah and Bailey Wright, who were there to take photos and videos of the race. Meanwhile, Sam Weixler and Mason Klain were working in the Speedway’s vast media center.
Abdellah and Wright, both 18 and seniors at Carmel, took a moment to talk about covering the 500 after an early-morning photographer’s meeting on Race Day. Both have been coming to the race for a while – “I’ve been going to the race with my family for I don’t even know how long,” said Wright. They are both aware that coming to the race as a member of the media is much different then attending the race as a fan.
“You have a different mindset coming into the race,” said Abdellah. “Looking at drivers differently. Going through their schedule. You’re not there to sit up there, eat food, enjoy the race. You’re there to work, so you have to schedule out your day in a timely manner and you have to plan ahead.”
“When you come as a fan, people are coming into it thinking they’re going to have a good time. But we’re here to work and make content,” said Wright.
Abdellah and Wright were at the Speedway to work, but they still were having an enjoyable experience at the race.
“Whenever the camera’s out, everyone’s always enjoyable, like being fun and giving you a good shot,” said Wright. “It’s a good environment out here and everyone has good intentions. It makes for a better race day.”
The WHJE staff has gotten a chance to talk to some of the drivers as well.
“We’ve talked to Spencer Pigot, Ed Carpenter Racing, people like that,” said Abdellah. “We have some close ties with them. We always wonder what their experience is like every year.”
Abdellah and Wright also talked to fans as well. Abdellah said he enjoyed talking to people from all around the world that came to see the race.
“I’m trying to ignore the tailgate going on down there with my family, but I’m also trying some new things and both of us sparking our new media careers with the track,” said Abdellah. He agreed that covering an event as important as the 500 is something that will look impressive to colleges, and prospective employers.
“Adding that to the resume is always a good thing,” said Abdellah.
Carmel seniors Ross Abdellah (left) and Bailey Wright were among the four WHJE radio staff members that covered the Indianapolis 500 this past weekend. Abdellah and Wright documented the race with photos and video. (Richie Hall)