Our New Assistant Intern to Norma Lawrence Unser
I’m currently working as Norma’s assistant/intern, helping her manage various tasks to make the Future Star Racing and Wings and Wheels Turn Two Suite 158 experience more enjoyable for the staff and our patrons and sponsors.
I’m a student at Marian University and IUPUI studying in Marian’s Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP). Although Marian is currently in the process of building an engineering school of their own (E.S. Witchger School of Engineering), I am studying electrical engineering at IUPUI. Therefore, I won’t be getting my engineering degree through Marian’s engineering school. I am also studying chemistry at Marian, and the DDEP is a 5-year program.
I’ve been having a wonderful time working at the track and learning so much about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite living in Indiana, throughout my life, I’ve only gone to the track to see a race once prior. I remember that day being sweltering, and since I was in the sun in the stands, my dad and I left early.
Years later, I participated in the Miles Ahead program that lets you drive Mini Coopers on the track and had a great experience despite being a timid, newbie driver.
This experience has been wonderful and has given me a new perspective on racing. I didn’t realize how many different events were happening at the track, even when it was not a race day. Inside of the track is also like a world of its own. When it’s not too busy, the infield is a great view and is relaxing. I was previously only familiar with the track on more crowded days, so I didn’t get to appreciate the beauty of its layout. I got to see that first-hand today when I took a ride around the track with one of the drivers (Gabby Chaves) from one of the previous 500 races.
I’ve also learned about event management. I am a caricature artist, and although I’ve attended many events, I never understood the background work required to have a successful event. However, after seeing the hard work involved in organizing events, I have a whole new appreciation for event managers that I previously didn’t have.
This experience was great, and I hope to participate in more track-related events. Norma and Al have been fantastic, and I appreciate their dedication to the IMS. You can tell that they genuinely love the track.
— Kim Graham, May 2022
