Nolan Siegel – Driver for Arrow McLaren Race
This first-person essay was part of a special series leading up to his 109th run of the Indianapolis 500 on Fox on May 25th, and IndyCar Driver wrote a letter about what historical race means to them. Read them all here.
Dear Speedway,
I have been thinking about this moment for a long time.
Last year I saw races from outside watching. It made my heart go wild to realize how meaningful this place was. For sports. For fans. To me.
There’s nothing like this truck. All the bricks, all the roars of the crowd, everything in history was burned into the alpha – it all means something. And last May, I felt the truth in the most difficult way. I am not qualified for racing. That moment might have broken me. Instead, it built me.
It set fire.
I spent my work and time, and so did our team. Since May 27, 2024, we have been working this moment. Not only to create the field, but to compete, compete, win.
Now I can write another story. I can step into the gasoline alleys not as a rookie who missed the cut, but as a driver ready to fight at 500 miles. I’m ready to win my place in the celebratory history of this race.
There’s nothing like this truck. All the bricks, all the roars of the crowd, everything in history was burned into the alpha – it all means something.
I know what it feels like to be left behind. That’s why I don’t take this second of opportunity for granted.
Thank you for the lesson. Thank you for your motivation. And above all – thank you for the chance.
see you soon.
– Norun
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