Fourth graders experience Indy 500 history and traditions in field trips

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Just 33 days ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, 120 fourth graders spent the day on the grounds of the “Racing Capital of the World.”

Monday’s field trips and upcoming ones are part of the 500 Festival’s education program as the speedway gets ready for the 2025 Indy 500.

The trips are meant to immerse the students and let them explore the impact of the 500 Festival and “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Students covered many topics across different stations including IndyCar history, speedway traditions and and soap box derby testing.

Monday’s visitors also got to meet reigning Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden, who was the race twice in a row. He was just as excited to meet them.

“It’s part of the tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is community. I’ve learned that so many years being here as a racecar driver with the team. You meet the community, the families that come out to this race and certainly the kids are a part of the community. Now, this is going to be my 14th attempt at an Indy 500, so to be able to come out and volunteer on a day like this and talk with a bunch of fourth graders and educate them on the small traditions and the things that have made up the Indy 500, it’s pretty surreal for me. I remember being a kid, dreaming about this race, and now getting to share it is too cool.

The 500 Festival says nearly 7,600 students will make their way to IMS for immersive field trip experiences.