Next week, 40 Arlington ISD high school students will take the field trip of a lifetime.
Students from multiple career and technical education programs will spend all day at the Grand Prix of Arlington.
The Grand Prix is coming to Arlington for the first time next week, March 13-16, and features a street circuit INDYCAR race through the streets of Arlington’s Entertainment District.
“There’s a magic that comes with these street races,” said Letty Azar, vice president of community and government affair for Penske Corporation, the owner of INDYCAR.
It’s a magic that INDYCAR wants to share with students. The intent of the field trip is to inspire students and show them some of the many career opportunities related to motor sports and major events.
“The visit will include an extensive guided tour of the facility, including access to the car paddocks, where students can see race teams preparing vehicles and equipment,” said Sara Mahoney, Arlington ISD CTE coordinator. “Students will also have the opportunity to watch various practice sessions, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at motorsports operations, engineering, and event logistics.”
While the field trip is still days away, the “magic” has already started. Last month, Letty Azar and several of her team members set up a Zoom call for Arlington ISD CTE students to learn about some of the careers “behind the driver.” Penske and the Grand Prix employees from a variety of fields, including operations, sales, marketing, hospitality, and medical, discussed how they got into motor sports and some of the opportunities that could be available for Arlington ISD students.
It’s all about helping local students start their engines.