Indianapolis Motor Speedway's military tradition continues with enlistment ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted an enlistment ceremony Sunday as part of the festivities leading up to the Indy 500, which is just one week away.

The enlistment ceremony honors men and women joining the armed forces, including all branches such as the Coast Guard and Space Force. This tradition was started by Senator Lugar in the 1970s and serves as a tribute to those who serve and have sacrificed for the country.

180 Hoosiers from across the state took the oath to enlist in the Military. 

Indiana National Guard enlistees are from: Beech Grove, Clinton, Crawfordsville, Fort Wayne, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Lebanon, Lizton, Logansport, Monticello, Peru, Romney, Spencerville and Stilesville. 

“For us, it’s just a great way to say thank you so much for taking that oath and for taking that step to defend our country,” IMS and NTT IndyCar President Doug Boles said.

Doug Boles highlighted the historical connection between the Speedway and the military, noting that the Speedway was an Army base during World War I where planes were repaired and pilots trained.