INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted a special guest Wednesday.
Lucas Grounds, a patient of Riley Children's Hospital and a racer in his own right not only had the chance to visit the Ed Carpenter Racing garage; he was also an honorary team member for the day.
Even though the Martinsville teen had never been to Gasoline Alley, the young racer felt right at home.
"There's a lot more going on here than anything I've ever done," Lucas said. "It's super cool and it's a lot to take in, but cool. You can kind of just sit back and look at everything and take it all in."
RELATED | Community rallies around Morgan County teen paralyzed in motorbike accident
The champion motorbike racer suffered a spinal cord injury in a bad accident in December 2020. But that has not stopped him from continuing his passion for motorsports.
"(For) most people it takes something like this to be like, 'Alright, maybe it's time to slow down. I've done probably everything but slow down," Lucas said.
Shana Grounds, Lucas' mother, said, "He really just makes lemonade out of lemons and I had no doubts that he was just going to keep moving forward and he will land somewhere some way in the racing field as a career."
Lucas' honorary team membership marks a continuation of Ed Carpenter's longstanding connection with Riley Children's Hospital.
"It's a great partnership. It's fun. My family is here and I grew up here, so I understand how important that institution is and how much care they provide," said Carpenter. "He's part of the team — he's got a Carpenter racing firesuit on now, so he's part of the squad.
As Carpenter prepares for his 19th Indy 500, Lucas' four-wheel racing career is just getting started.
"Lucas is a racer. Whether we're racing IndyCars or micros or dirtbikes, the mentality is the same," Carpenter said. "It doesn't matter the level that you're at. At a certain level, it's all the same."
-
Streets to Home Indy has helped 114 people into housing so far
What sets Streets to Home Indy apart is its speed. On average, teams are getting folks from the streets into housing in just 27 days. In the past, that timeline was closer to 100 to 150 days.
Herron H.S. to build performing arts center, science labs with Lilly grant
Herron High School is set to undergo its biggest transformation since opening two decades ago after receiving a $25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Local officials warn of measles risk ahead of spring break travel
Hamilton County health officials are urging Hoosiers to check their vaccination records before hitting the road or boarding a plane, as measles cases continue to rise across the country.
Illinois Street Food Emporium continues legacy under lifelong regular
One of the most beloved spots in the Butler-Tarkington community is entering a new chapter. The Illinois Street Food Emporium has a new owner, but he may be more familiar than many think.
