Motorsports Day Underway at IUPUI
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is holding its annual Motorsports Day. Thursday's event is designed to increase science, technology, engineering and math graduates. IUPUI says it is the first university in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in motorsports engineering. September 5, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS (September 5, 2013) – Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) announced that its annual Motorsports Day will take place today, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of Taylor Hall, 815 W. Michigan St., on the IUPUI campus. The event showcases the nation’s only motorsports engineering program, part of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology’s unique initiative to increase the number of graduates in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
“We look forward to Motorsports Day as it shines the spotlight on our motorsports engineering program – a program students will find only at IUPUI,” explained Dr. Pete Hylton, associate professor and director of motorsports engineering. “Our partners in the racing industry also participate, making it an extraordinary event for anyone interested in motorsports.”
Motorsports Day features a special appearance by Graham Rahal, the youngest race winner in IndyCar history and son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal. Fans also can get autographs from Martin Plowman, winner of the 24 Hours of LeMans; Larry Dixon, NHRA champion; Dan Clarke, British racer; and Simon Pagenaud, 2013 winner of the Grand Prix of Baltimore.
Guest facilitators at Motorsports Day workshops include: Jarod Krisiloff, senior director of marketing, Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Tim White, director of engineering, National Hot Rod Association; and Alex Timmermans, designer, Dallara.
Race exhibits include IUPUI student race cars, Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel car, Marco Andretti’s transporter, and others.
In 2008, IUPUI became the first university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering and has been placing students on the fast track to success ever since. The program has celebrated numerous milestones, including victories at the Purdue Grand Prix, invitations to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs and contributions to a history-making pass at the National Hot Rod Association’s SuperNationals event.
IUPUI’s motorsports programs equip students with the training, skills, experience and connections needed to excel in this fast-paced industry. From a four-year bachelor of science degree in motorsports engineering and a motorsports technology certificate offered by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI to a variety of racetrack opportunities and outstanding internship placements, the motorsports programs at IUPUI is thriving. More than 100 students from around the country – and even the world – are working towards their motorsports dreams in the “Racing Capital of the World.” And just four years after the program started, students have graduated and launched right into full-time engineering roles with professional race teams.
To learn more about the program, visit www.engr.iupui.edu/motorsports.
About Motorsports at IUPUI:
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the “Racing Capital of the World,” IUPUI has much to offer in motorsports, and its programs are producing impressive results and garnering national attention. In 2008, IUPUI became the first university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering, and the university continues to develop programs encompassing all aspects of the sport. From a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Motorsports Engineering to a Motorsports Technology Certificate or Masters Concentration offered by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI, to a variety of racetrack opportunities and outstanding internship placements, the motorsports programs at IUPUI continue to thrive. For more information about motorsports at IUPUI, visit http://www.engr.iupui.edu/motorsports.
About the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI:
The mission of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI is to be one of the best urban university leaders in the disciplines of engineering and technology recognized locally, nationally and internationally. The school’s goal is to provide students an education that will give them the leverage to be leaders in their communities, industry and society. For additional information on the School of Engineering & Technology, go to http://www.engr.iupui.edu.Source: IUPUI School of Engineering and Technology