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- Happy Indy 500 Week, Hoosiers! šš
Happy Indy 500 Week, Hoosiers! šš
Plus - Pacers win in dramatic fashion... again! š
Get IN, Austin Sellers & Nate Spangle
May 22, 2025
Thursday, May 22nd
Nothing beats a good happy hour, and The HC Tavern + Kitchen knows how to do it right. Whether youāre unwinding after work or kicking off a night out, their drink specials and shareable bites are exactly what you need. Grab some friends, find a seat at the bar, and toast to good times. Pull up a chair and enjoy!
š This Week in Indiana History š
Al Unser Jr. Wins the Closest Indy 500 in History (1992)
It is the month of May in Indiana, and that can only mean one thingā¦ it is once again INDY 500 SEASON! So, on this week in Indiana History, we celebrate one of the best and closest races in historyā¦ the 1992 Indy 500.
In this race, Al Unser Jr. edged out Scott Goodyear to win by a razor thin margin of just 0.043 secondsā¦ less than one car length. To give you an idea of what that means, hereās a breakdown. The race is 500 miles long; in this time period (slightly different than today) there were only a few cars that had a legitimate shot to win due to far less regulations on the cars themselves. This meant teams could do basically whatever they wanted to make the car go as fast as possible. Because of this, we saw many times where the winners of the race would win by absolute daylights, simply because more time (and way more money) was spent on the cars.
Those facts alone make the finish even more incredible. Unser Jr. (or āLittle Alā as he is affectionately known) became the first second-generation driver to win the 500. The finishes to the last three Indy 500s have been close as well, but not nearly as close to what it was in 1992. Will the record be broken this year? Well, youāre going to have to head to the race to find out! (Or watch it on tv, since the blackout was lifted this year).
ā” Hoosier Headlines ā”
If you like hot dogs and racing, youāre in for a treat tomorrow at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During Carb Day at 2 p.m. ET, the inaugural Wienie 500 will take place as all six Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles āmeat-upā for the first competitive race between the hotdoggers. The six participants will represent different regions from across the United States, including the Chi Dog, New York Dog, Slaw Dog, Sonoran Dog, Chili Dog and Seattle Dog. Instead of the winner drinking milk in the āWienerās Circleā, the trophy presentation will include a condiment spray. We canāt wait. š
With the help of our friends at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, we did a little research into the history of fans arriving bright and early to the Indy 500. In its first years, attendees came to the speedway by rail or horse and buggy. Yes, you read that right. Eventually, things changed as cars become more popular and the infield eventually become home to the moreā¦ how should we put itā¦ energetic race fans. Check out the full history lesson below.
Ephraim Owens, an Indianapolis native who was a contestant on Season 24 of The Voice, is set to sing āAmerica the Beautifulā before the 109th Running of the Indy 500.
Last year, Owens was a guest on the Get IN. Podcast and shared what it took to be selected for the show, how his life has changed since, and how he plans to build a career in music in the Circle City. Performing at the 500 is another step on his musical journey! š¤
Looking for the next big thing in tech? It's happening right here in Indianapolis, and it's not what you'd expect.
Sports Tech HQ has quietly built something remarkable - a launch pad for companies shaping the future of sports. They're giving entrepreneurs everything they need to succeed: funding, facilities, and direct access to professional teams.
If you've been waiting for the right moment to enter the sports technology space, this is it. Their program offers the kind of support that usually only exists in Silicon Valley, but with the added advantage of Indiana's deep sports infrastructure.
Want to learn more? Visit sthq.org
š Hidden Gem š
Turn 3
This week calls for one hidden gem, and one hidden gem only ā turn 3 in the infield of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Java House, Dad Water and Upland Brewing products, among others from many Hoosier partners, will be available at the tailgate, and Get Indiana is giving away $2,000 to one lucky winner. Attendees will have a chance to spin the wheel and win awesome prizes while having an unforgettable race day experience. Want a chance to win free beer, merchandise and swag from Upland Brewing Co. for the summer? Share a picture in your favorite racing shirt or sitting with us in turn 3 and use the #RaceDayBetter and tag @uplandbrewco. Must be 21+ to enter. š»
Whatās your Hidden Gem? Reply to this email to get it featured!
š 1 Big wIN š
Holy. Indiana Pacers. Did you stay up for last nightās finish between the Pacers and New York Knicks in the series opener of the Eastern Conference finals? The āCers trailed 119-105 with 2:51 to play in regulation, and then it became the Aaron Nesmith and Tyrese Haliburton Show. Nesmith was en fuego from three-point range down the stretch, burying five triples as part of a 20-point fourth-quarter burst that set up Haliburtonās game-tying heroics at the buzzer. Indiana rode the momentum into overtime and won 138-135 to again turn home-court advantage in its favor. There is no deficit this team canāt overcomeā¦ period. š
š§ What Does It Take to Win the Indy 500? š§
šIn this episode of Get IN, I have an awesome conversation with Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion and world-renowned Swedish IndyCar driver.
We explore his thrilling journey from a go-kart enthusiast in Sweden to an IndyCar champion in Indiana. Marcus shares his experiences, insights about racing innovation, and the importance of mental and physical training.
We also dive into his personal life, touching on why he chose to call Indiana home and his passion for mental health advocacy, especially seen through his upcoming collaboration with the Avicii Foundation.
Whether you're a racing fan or interested in inspiring personal stories, this episode is packed with profound insights and heartfelt moments. Enjoy the ride!
You are going to learn about:
- The training of an Indy 500 champion
- How Marcus Ericssonās past led him here and where he wants to go
- Why Marcus loves Indiana