Ep. 42: Inside the Indianapolis 500: Tradition, Diversity, and Community With Jimmie McMillian

Jimmie McMillian is the Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all Penske Corporation-related entities, including INDYCAR and IMS Productions. He leads the company’s Race for Equality and Change initiative to advance diversity in motorsports while managing legal matters such as contracts and litigation. Before joining Penske in 2016, he was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and clerked for Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. A graduate of Indiana University and the IU McKinney School of Law, Jimmie is also active in the community through board service and leadership of the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[5:18] Alex Limontes discusses the buzz around the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Block Party
[6:12] Jimmie McMillian highlights why the Indianapolis 500 is known as The Global Spectacle
[7:20] The role of culture, tradition, and community at the Indy 500
[8:43] How attending the Racing Industry Track Conference helped launch Jimmie’s motorsports career
[9:33] Business opportunities and corporate events hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
[10:25] The importance of relationship-building outside the office, especially at the track
[11:51] Breaking misconceptions about Indy 500 ticket costs

In this episode…

Race week is upon Indianapolis once again, and the excitement is palpable. The Indianapolis 500, known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, draws crowds from around the globe, eager to experience the thrill of the race and the festive atmosphere surrounding it. But what makes this event so special, and why is it a must-attend for racing fans and professionals alike?

Jimmie McMillian, a key figure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, explains how the Indy 500 is not just a race but a celebration of community, tradition, and American spirit. According to Jimmie, the event is a unique blend of cutting-edge automotive technology and time-honored practices, making it a singular experience that TV simply cannot capture. He highlights the Snake Pit’s legendary parties and the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes fans of all backgrounds. The Speedway’s commitment to diversity and opportunity is also evident, with initiatives aimed at opening doors for underrepresented groups. Additionally, he encourages professionals to break the misconception that the Indy 500 is inaccessible, highlighting its affordability and community-oriented atmosphere. Jimmie also shares how involvement in industry-specific conferences helped him break into the racing world — offering a blueprint for others to do the same.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Jimmie McMillian, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, about the power of culture, racing, and connection at the Indy 500. Jimmie discusses using the track to build lasting relationships, creating inclusive spaces in motorsports, and why the Indy 500 is a must-see event. He also delves into career development through networking, breaking into niche industries, and the value of tradition.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“You got to come here. You got to experience it. And I promise you it’s a bucket list item.”
“This place becomes symbolic of what America really is in every single possible way: opportunity, growth, talent.”
“You may not ever have that opportunity again to spend four or five hours just sitting.”
“It’s amazing how many people that don’t know you can get a general admission ticket for 30 bucks.”
“It’s something you can’t get or understand on TV. You got to come here.”

Action Steps:

Attend industry-specific conferences early in your career: They provide direct access to niche networks and opportunities before you have clients.
Say yes to professional invitations outside the office: Informal settings like the racetrack build trust and strengthen long-term business relationships.
Educate others about accessible community events: Breaking misconceptions about cost and exclusivity opens doors for broader engagement and inclusion.
Use cultural spaces to foster diversity: Engaging diverse leaders in iconic institutions symbolizes and promotes equitable opportunity at scale.
Combine passion with professional development: Pursuing your interests strategically can naturally lead to career breakthroughs and deeper fulfillment.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.