How Speedway, Indiana, Became the Racing Capital of the World and the Home of the Indy 500

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Nick Sturgeon (MS cybersecurity and trusted systems ’15), Speedway Town Council member and former council president.  As a proud Purdue alumnus and longtime Speedway, Indiana, resident, Nick is an Indianapolis 500 expert and has firsthand knowledge about how Boilermakers help shape “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” every year.   This is also an extra special episode of “This Is Purdue” because host Kate Young is joined by a co-host: Trevor Peters, Purdue spokesperson and longtime Indy 500 fan and attendee. (If you’ve attended a Boilermaker football game in the past 10 years, you’ve probably heard Trevor emceeing!)  In this episode, you will:  Learn more about what it’s like living in Speedway and how the town prepares to host the world’s largest single-day sporting event each May before the green flag drops  Discover more about Purdue’s Indy 500 legacy, from alumni serving as race-day organizers and working as engineers in the pits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to students playing in the “All-American” Marching Band  Find out why Speedway is the perfect town to host the Indy 500, from a strong legacy of tradition to its energetic downtown, especially ahead of its centennial celebration  Hear more about Nick’s time as town council president and how he played a vital role in revitalizing economic growth and tourism, including helping to recruit motorsports manufacturing giant Dallara  Learn more about his background as an Indiana state trooper and his current PhD studies in cybersecurity and forensics at Purdue, including how it enhances his various roles in Speedway  Gain insights into Nick’s favorite Indy 500 memories, his tips for first-time racegoers and race-day predictions — and his bright hopes for the future of Speedway   You don’t want to miss this episode with a Purdue alum who’s helping to bring this popular spectacle to life for millions of fans worldwide!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices