On May 13, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) served as more than just a racetrack, hosting the Indy Chamber’s “Conexión: 5 for 500” event.
The sold-out gathering, presented by JPMorgan Chase, celebrated the achievements of five influential Hispanic leaders in Indianapolis while creating an opportunity for cultural appreciation and professional networking.
Organized by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, the event highlighted individuals making waves in advocacy, leadership, small business, trailblazing and visionary work. Attendees were treated to a day of learning and celebration, featuring a panel discussion, networking opportunities and an insider’s look at the Speedway garages during the first practice session for the 2025 Indianapolis 500.
The panel featured prominent figures such as Rolando Coronado of Andretti Global, Tracy Guerrero from the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Luisa Macer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing. They discussed the evolving role of Hispanic professionals in motorsports and the broader business community and how their roles help fans have the ultimate race day experience.
“I’ve been at the airport for nine years in different capacities, and I started as an intern,” Guerrero said. “The airport is essentially the first stop many people take when they enter the city. It’s the gateway to our city.”
Macer spoke about the importance of getting involved in the sport and what it means to her to be in her role.
“Kids are the future of the sport,” Macer said. “Kids are why our legacy and what we’re doing now in this place is empowering and teaming up with the next generation of fans.”
The panelists also discussed the changes the sport has seen in recent years. Coronado revealed that there was a distinct lack of diversity when he first began working in the industry.
“Motorsports or IndyCar wasn’t a sport known for its diversity,” Coronado said. “When I started 25 years ago, I remember walking into a group meeting. There were people from Australia and New Zealand, and everybody was the same. Every single mechanic was the same. They gave me the nickname Buddy Boy because I called everybody Buddy Boy. I couldn’t tell who was who.”
Coronado explained that as the sport has evolved, so has its diversity. Similarly, Guerrero strives to incorporate that same sense of welcoming at the Indianapolis International Airport.
“I think you can see it in the sense of place that I talked about earlier, making sure that when you land in Indianapolis, you know that you’re in Indianapolis, and during May, there’s an intentionality where you’re in partnership with IMS to make you feel like you’re in the racing capital of the world,” Guerrero said.
According to the panelists, incorporating the community into their work is an essential step. They work diligently to encourage youth to participate in their fields, whether racing-related or not.
“We have a great program here during May. One of the programs I lead is Community Day,” Macer said. “It’s the one time out of the entire month where all 33 drivers who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 get to spend a full day at a school.”
Events like “Conexión: 5 for 500” showcase the city’s dedication to inclusivity while celebrating the intersection of culture and industry. The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of Hispanic professionals in shaping a vibrant and diverse Indianapolis.
For details about future events hosted by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, visit their website at indychamber.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
