In 2018, thousands of women — and a few men — packed Bankers Life Fieldhouse (now known as Gainbridge Fieldhouse) to hear former First Lady Michelle Obama speak at the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana gala. Jessica Brand and 11 of her friends and colleagues were in the crowd.
The 12 women were inspired to create the Indy Crowns, a group that has since grown to 30 Black women professionals who host the annual Opulence at the Speedway event.
If you go
Opulence at the Speedway
🗓️ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16
📍 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
🎟️ $195
“We wanted to harness this energy by creating a group that can be a supportive and safe place for one another, as well as using our creativity and skills to help others,” said Brand, the Indy Crowns marketing director and activities coordinator.
One of the causes they set their sights on was NXG Youth Motorsports, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that develops diverse talent in racing, along with the STEM skills young people need to work in different motorsports careers.
Opulence at the Speedway helps raise money and awareness for the organization. The third annual event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tickets are $195 and include brunch and hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, grandstand seats to watch qualifying races and a walking tour of Gasoline Alley. IMS executives often stop by to say hello.
Guests can meet and talk with NXG students, who will be there with their karts, along with Myles Rowe, an NXT driver with Force Indy and Abel Motorsports. Rowe’s #99 car will be on display and he and his pit crew will talk about their racing experiences.
“Motorsport hasn’t always been inclusive, but it’s evolving — and representation is a big part of that,” Brand said. “We’re showing young people that there’s a place for them and giving them the tools and exposure to actually pursue it.”
Though the Opulence at the Speedway event changes from year to year, one thing stays the same: All guests wear pink. One, they stand out against the Indy 500 black and white. “And let’s face it, it’s a fun color to wear,” Brand said. “Everyone looks fantastic.”
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