Culture

Purdue’s mark on the Indianapolis 500

For over a century, Purdue University has been welcoming race fans back home again for the Indianapolis 500

From the “All-American” Marching Band performing across the iconic yard of bricks to Purdue engineers in the pits, we have helped welcome fans back home again to Indiana for more than 100 years.

Angela Ashmore, engineer with Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda, at work on a computer trackside. — Angela Ashmore (BS mechanical engineering ’10 and MS mechanical engineering ’13) serves as engineer with Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

The Big Bass Drum crew — celebrating 100 years of the drum in 2022 — perform on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. — The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band became the first band to perform at the Indianapolis 500 in 1919. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

The National Society of Black Engineers on the track of the Purdue Grand Prix with their No. 75 cart. — The National Society of Black Engineers at the 2022 Purdue Grand Prix with their No. 75 cart. (Purdue University photo/Jon Garcia)

Andrew Kardashian (BS aeronautical engineering AE’22) celebrates winning the 2022 Purdue Grand Prix by waving the checkered flag after his victory. — Andrew Kardashian (BS aeronautical engineering ’22) celebrates winning the 2022 Purdue Grand Prix. (Purdue University photo/Jon Garcia)

Purdue Pete on the track of the 2022 Purdue Grand Prix, with racing carts and spectators in the background. — Purdue Pete on the track at the 2022 Purdue Grand Prix. (Purdue University photo/Jon Garcia)

Bill Pappas offers Justin Wilson some encouragement before the start of the 2013 Indy 500. — Justin Wilson (right) and Bill Pappas, Purdue mechanical engineering alumnus and Wilson’s race engineer, before the start of the 2013 Indy 500. (Photo provided: Bill Pappas)

Members of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band and four of the 500 Festival Princesses representing the University at the Indianapolis 500 stand in front of the Purdue Memorial Union. — Members of the Purdue All-American Marching Band and four of the 500 Festival Princesses representing the University at the Indianapolis 500. From left are Jonathon Heidegger, Jullianna Niebbia, Sophia Strain, Cieara Anderson, Amanda Coy, Emily Bultinck, Krupa Patel and Delaney Tejcek. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

Nathan O’Rourke in conversation with driver Colton Herta. — Nathan O’Rourke (BS mechanical engineering ’04) (left), is lead engineer for Andretti Autosport’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda driven by Colton Herta. (Photo credit: Andretti Autosport/Ignite Media)

In 1919, the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band became the first band to perform as part of the day’s ceremonies. Their signature performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana” is known to draw cheers and tears.

Over the years, Purdue has sent many of its world-renowned engineers to the race, too. Many got their start in Purdue’s own big race — the annual Grand Prix. Begun in 1958, Boilermaker students, who affectionately call it “The Greatest Spectacle in College Racing,” use the student-run race to exercise their skills and enthusiasm for motorsports. Generations of Purdue-trained engineers have since worked in the pits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, preparing IndyCar drivers for the 500-mile race.

STEP INSIDE: Purdue Grand Prix Foundation

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Over time, Boilermakers’ enthusiasm and involvement in the sport has only grown — from the pre-race parade to the pits. Dozens of Purdue women have served as ambassadors in the 500 Festival Princess Program, stepping into leadership opportunities that have shaped the entire state of Indiana. And Purdue has served as the host band for the AES 500 Festival Parade since its inception in 1957.

Start your engines and read on to explore how Boilermakers continue to shape the Indianapolis 500.

Balance

Racing toward Indy 500 dreams

At the age of 11, Bill Pappas saved enough money to attend his first-ever Indianapolis 500. Since then, he has turned his dreams into a reality, along the way working with some of the biggest names in racing — Juan Pablo Montoya, Emerson Fittipaldi and A.J. Foyt.