Orchestrating the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500 - Part 1

On the Move: A Siemens Automotive Podcast

Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. Every year, over 300,000 spectators flock to experience the excitement and energy of the event.

For as big as it is, a lot of preparation goes into planning for and organizing an event like this. Every little detail needs to be considered. To tell us all about it in this Part 1 episode is the President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, J. Douglas Boles.

In this episode, host Ed Bernardon and Douglas discuss how Douglas prepares for the event, what he’s most passionate about when it comes to motosports, how he incorporates fan feedback into the event, and so much more!

Some Questions Asked

• Let's say that I came to you and said, ‘Hey, I'd like to start an event that's going to have 350,000 people in it’. Can you give me three pieces of advice? (8:20)
• How old were you when you went to your first [Indy 500]? (16:31)
• You have a degree in journalism, a graduate degree in law, [you’ve worked] in government and campaigns, and then racing. How does that all fit together? (22:08)
• What kind of racing did you do? What would you drive? (25:05)

In This Episode You Will Learn

• How big the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is (2:44)
• Why parking is the main thing that keeps Douglas up at night whilst preparing for the Indy 500 (6:21)
• Douglas’ favorite part of race day (13:56)
• About Douglas’ 48-hour rule (30:37)
• Why Douglas always wears a blue suit (37:32)

Connect with J. Douglas Boles

LinkedIn

Connect with Ed Bernardon:

• LinkedIn
• Future Car: Driving a Lifestyle Revolution
• Motorsports is speeding the way to safer urban mobility