Takuma Sato and Tony Kanaan, both previous winners of the Indy 500, paid a visit to McClelland Elementary on May 26.
As part of an Indianapolis Motor Speedway Community Day, the two drivers answered questions from fourth-grade students, led them in a friendly athletic competition, and joined them in toasting the race with the Indy 500’s traditional drink, milk. At the end of the hour-long event, the students serenaded the drivers with the Indy 500 classic, “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
During their news conference, students wanted to know why drivers put brand names on their cars, and what it’s like to win the Indy 500. They also wanted to know why IMS is called the Brickyard, and why the race’s winner kisses the bricks afterward. They were curious as well about what it’s like to be in an accident, and what inspired the drivers to pursue their careers. Crews from Indianapolis television stations were on hand to record the drivers’ answers.
“This was a wonderful event for our students. We all had a great time,” said MSD Wayne Superintendent Jeff Butts, who greeted the drivers when they arrived at McClelland. “This is a day our students will never forget.”
ABOUT THE MSD OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP
The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township provides multiple pathways to success for more than 16,000 students, preschool through high school. Located on the west side of Indianapolis, MSD Wayne works in partnership with the Wayne Township community to help every learner achieve excellence. To learn more about MSD Wayne, visit www.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msdwaynetownship/ and Twitter @WayneTwpSchools and @WayneTwpSuper.
