Gasoline Alley to Global Stage: Indiana’s Racing Economy Ramps Up

In this edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gary Dick, the business of motorsports is in full throttle as Business at the Brickyard continues. From Gasoline Alley to global headquarters for brands, we explore why Indiana is one of the top three motorsports hubs in the world. Veteran executive Rollie Helmling breaks down the industry’s $1 billion impact, and why Indy’s brand is key to future growth. Plus: • The hidden economic engine inside IndyCar: $100 million in cars, $350K chassis, $1M engines, and elite STEM careers. • An Italian racing school plants roots in Indianapolis, training the next generation of mechanics and engineers—including a Hamilton Southeastern grad. • IMS revs up sustainability: composting, recycling, and new initiatives to reduce waste from 300,000 race day fans. • Eli Lilly breaks ground on its $4.5 billion Lebanon Medicine Foundry, creating 400 jobs in the LEAP Innovation District. • Aer Lingus launches a transatlantic connection from Indianapolis to Dublin. • Anne Frank trees grown in Jackson County head to schools across the U.S. • Kyle Cummins keeps Hoosier dirt track tradition alive with a sprint car career rooted in small-town Indiana grit. The Month of May is just heating up. We’ll be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway all month with exclusive coverage of Indiana’s most iconic economic driver.

In this Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick special edition, the month of May roars to life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the kickoff of Business at the Brickyard. As the 109th running of the Indy 500 approaches, we explore how motorsports is fueling Indiana’s economy to the tune of more than $1 billion annually. From Victory Circle to the new IMS Museum, the Speedway is more than just a race—it’s an economic engine. Plus: IMS President Doug Boles discusses record-breaking ticket sales, and the potential for a grandstand sellout. The $60M IMS Museum reopens with inclusive, accessible features for all fans. Inside the 500 Festival’s $50M impact on Indianapolis and the cultural power of race month traditions. The University of Evansville hosts the first Innovate Indianaevent of 2025 as excitement builds around I-69’s final bridge link to Kentucky. Hoosier farmers weigh in as tariffs once again shake the global trade landscape. Warsaw’s Slate Electric Trucks lands a new production site and Bezos-backed momentum. McCutcheon High School in Lafayette takes home a robotics world title as Indiana FIRST programs surge in student participation. Doug Boles returns to break down venue upgrades, Snake Pit strategy, and yes—Gronk’s controversial turn as Grand Marshal. From dirt tracks to Victory Lane, Inside INdiana Business will be on-site all month long with stories from every corner of Indiana motorsports.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, global innovation arrives in a bigger way in Indiana. Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play is expanding to the new IU Launch Accelerator at 16 Tech, aiming to recruit and grow life sciences startups in Indianapolis and connect them with Warsaw’s growing medtech hub. CEO Saeed Amidi says Indiana’s combination of university talent and global companies like Eli Lilly makes it a powerful new frontier for innovation. Plus: How the new IU Health incubator at 16 Tech could transform Indianapolis into a national player in biosciences. Roche Diagnostics and Eli Lilly announce major U.S. manufacturing expansions, with the potential for Indiana to land more investment. Community Health Network opens the first phase of its Westfield campus, featuring AI-assisted patient care. A new Ronald McDonald Care Mobile rolls out in Evansville to combat Indiana’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. Also in this episode: Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon launches a new railroad to drive economic development. Terre Haute’s Hulman Field Air Base plans a new $13 million small arms training range. Fort Wayne breaks ground on an 8,400-seat soccer stadium ahead of joining USL League One. A Noble County fire department auctions off a pumper truck to fund new equipment. Gaylor Electric becomes the first company to twice win National Contractor of the Year honors. IU Indianapolis expands STEM research space with a new lab building at 16 Tech. Ball State completes a $60 million renovation of Cooper Science Building. Indiana Tech launches a new advanced manufacturing innovation center at Electric Works in Fort Wayne. And: Hud Mellencamp and Hard Truth Distilling launch a new whiskey celebrating Indiana farmers and the Mellencamp legacy. The Pacers surge ahead in the NBA Playoffs as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever prepare for a historic season. Inside INdiana Business previews next week's kickoff of Business at the Brickyard coverage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gary Dick, military might meets rural transformation. A $600 million private investment is on the horizon near the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana, as 16 companies commit to a new munitions campus in Bloomfield. The project could bring thousands of jobs to southern Indiana and redefine economic growth in the region. Plus: A deeper look at how Crane is anchoring a national security innovation hub. Why the town of Bloomfield may be Indiana’s next economic development boomtown. Guardian Bikes goes big: The Seymour-based company launches large-scale U.S. frame manufacturing to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. Fort Wayne’s L3Harris opens a $125M payload facility to support the future of missile defense. River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville hits $3B in economic impact. Notre Dame opens the tap—alcohol sales now allowed in general seating at football games. Also in this episode: Yelp’s Brittany Smith shares the top budget-friendly bites across Indiana, from cinnamon rolls in Nashville to burgers in Anderson. Fisher’s native Vince Dixon returns home to premiere a powerful short film based on his family’s battle with addiction. Caitlin Clark teams up with Gainbridge in a new national ad as Fever tickets officially sell out for the season.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gary Dick, we take off with big news in Indiana aviation: Carmel-based Republic Airways is merging with Mesa Air Group to form the second-largest regional airline in the U.S. The deal brings a major boost to Republic’s Carmel headquarters, a massive training center in Indianapolis, and continued momentum for Indiana’s aviation sector. Plus: How the $200 million Republic campus in Carmel is shaping the future of pilot training. Why Mayor Sue Finkam says U.S. 31 is becoming a top destination for corporate HQs. Terre Haute’s $100 million casino impact: new housing, downtown investment, and a revitalized Wabash Valley. The future of Oregon-based Entek’s $1.5 billion EV battery plant—and what Mayor Brandon Sakbun wants from Washington. Also in this episode: New $40M distribution center headed to Gary’s lakefront. Western Governors University opens a state-of-the-art simulation center in Indianapolis to train 1,000 new nurses. A Ball State student with muscular dystrophy conducts an orchestra using assistive technology—and changes what’s possible in performance arts. Meet Indiana’s newest world food champion: Collin Hilton of Cunningham Restaurant Group wins big at the World Food Championships. Why a small satellite company in Upland is putting Taylor University engineering students on a path to outer space. Oliver Winery in Bloomington rises into the top 30 in the nation—and brings Midwest flavor to the wine world.

In this special episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we take you inside the newly reimagined Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which has just completed a $60.5 million renovation—and the results are nothing short of historic. From race cars to rocket science, the museum now blends tradition with innovation, creating an immersive, interactive experience that tells the story of the Indy 500 like never before. And with more than 250,000 visitors expected annually, it’s on pace to become one of Indiana’s most iconic year-round destinations. Plus: The museum’s new “Starting Line Experience” offers a 360° audio-visual journey into what it’s like to be trackside on race day. Education gets the green flag: A new Innovation Lab and hands-on exhibits are inspiring students to pursue careers in motorsports, engineering, and manufacturing. Accessibility upgrades: The renovated museum features ADA-compliant ramps, elevators, and a wheelchair-accessible racing simulator, ensuring all guests feel welcome. The Penske Gallery honors the legacy of Roger Penske and his 20 Indy 500 wins with legendary cars, engines, rings, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. Also in this episode: Indiana’s talent pipeline: Ivy Tech reports 82,000 Hoosiers gain new credentials each year—meeting the demands of healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Bloomington-based Singota Solutions expands in Switzerland, growing Indiana’s life sciences footprint abroad. Drone-powered agriculture: Indiana’s first licensed aerial spraying contractor is revolutionizing how Hoosier farmers care for their crops. Sprint car spotlight: Small-town Indiana tracks like Kokomo Speedway are featured in this year’s Business at the Brickyard coverage, highlighting racing’s grassroots. Whether it’s on the track, in the classroom, or across the globe, Indiana is racing ahead. Join us all May long as we continue Business at the Brickyard—bringing you stories of innovation, community, and legacy from the Racing Capital of the World.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we dive into Indiana’s booming life sciences sector, which hit a historic milestone in 2024—becoming the nation’s No. 1 exporter of life sciences products. A new BioCrossroads report reveals $27 billion in life sciences exports, a $21 billion pharmaceutical sector, and a 3,000-job increase statewide, with wages jumping to nearly $150,000 annually. Plus, it’s March Madness in Indianapolis, and while the action is on the court, the economic impact is felt across the city. The NCAA Midwest Regional Sweet 16 and Elite 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium is expected to bring in $30 million for downtown businesses, and we uncover Indy’s “secret sauce”—its world-class volunteer network that makes it the go-to host city for major sporting events. Also in this episode: Indiana’s life sciences expansion: From Lilly’s $13 billion Boone County investment to Novartis’ nuclear medicine growth, what’s driving the state’s biotech boom? Terrafore’s high-tech farming breakthrough: A Knox County AI startup is revolutionizing crop harvesting with robotics-powered innovation. Indy’s newest sports entertainment venue? Inside Indiana Business breaks down reports that COSM, a high-tech immersive sports video experience, is eyeing Indianapolis for its next expansion. Purdue’s role in space exploration: A Purdue-engineered camera on NASA’s Perseverance Rover is capturing historic images of Mars’ surface and the Ingenuity helicopter in flight. Indiana’s latest renewable energy project: A $140 million bioenergy facility in Northwest Indiana will convert organic waste into renewable natural gas at Kingsbury Industrial Park. Trendy drive-thrus across the state: From donuts and empanadas to tacos and crab rangoon, Yelp’s Brittany Smith shares Indiana’s top locally-owned drive-thru food spots. Join us for an in-depth look at how Indiana is leading in life sciences, capitalizing on its sports legacy, and fueling innovation across multiple industries.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we spotlight the Indiana-based startup MakeMyMove, which is luring remote workers from across the U.S. to cities like Noblesville, South Bend, and Evansville. Offering cash incentives, perks, and community engagement opportunities, the program has already helped more than 2,000 remote workers relocate, fueling economic growth and helping Indiana address its talent shortage. Plus, northeast Indiana is aiming to become a global gateway for med tech companies. Fort Wayne’s Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation is launching an initiative to attract international med tech firms by easing their entry into the U.S. market and leveraging the region’s $19 billion medical device ecosystem. Also in this episode: Cadillac brings Formula 1 to Fishers: Construction is underway on a $200 million racing headquarters expected to create 300 new jobs. Hypersonic tech in southern Indiana: Kratos Defense is investing $50 million in a hypersonic testing facility near NSWC Crane, creating up to 100 jobs and strengthening Indiana’s defense sector. Indiana’s hunger fight: Leaders from agriculture and food industries unite at the first Indiana Hunger Summit to combat food insecurity, which affects 1 in 8 Hoosiers. University of Evansville’s farm-to-classroom innovation: A unique container farm initiative is helping educate students and feed the Evansville community year-round. Recycling revolution in Indy: Republic Services and Blue Polymers invest $180 million in a state-of-the-art plastics recycling complex, a first in North America, creating 125 jobs and setting a national precedent. Join us for an in-depth look at how Indiana is growing its workforce, driving innovation, and addressing critical community needs, one bold initiative at a time.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we examine how Indiana’s 94,000 farmers are preparing for the spring planting season amid uncertain crop prices and potential tariffs. With China as the top importer of Hoosier soybeans and Mexico leading in corn imports, how will trade tensions impact Indiana’s $35 billion agriculture economy? We get insights from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb and Purdue agricultural economist Chad Fiechter on the economic pressures facing farmers. Plus, The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, headquartered at the Hoosier Cancer Research Network, unites 16 universities to conduct collaborative clinical trials. With the addition of West Coast schools like UCLA and Washington, the initiative is expanding its reach, accelerating the development of life-saving treatments and offering new hope to cancer patients nationwide. Also in this episode: Hoosier farmers navigate rising costs: From fertilizer and fuel prices to inflation and high interest rates, why many farmers can’t project a profit this season and how they’re adapting. Gary’s pitch for a convention center: With Hard Rock Casino leading the charge, we explore how the city is positioning itself to become a regional convention hub. Rural Indiana’s education challenges: A new documentary highlights the struggles of North Putnam schools, from teacher shortages to limited access to healthcare and internet. A major international business conference lands in Indy: Mark Cuban headlines the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, bringing investors and innovators from around the world to Indiana. West Lafayette biotech breakthrough: A Purdue-founded life sciences startup secures FDA clearance for an innovative pancreatic cancer test. Join us for an in-depth look at Indiana’s agriculture sector, economic development, and the future of education in rural communities.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the transformation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds into a year-round event destination. With 400 events annually—from conventions and sports tournaments to food competitions—the fairgrounds now generate a $330 million economic impact. We take an inside look at the investments fueling this growth and what it means for central Indiana’s economy. Plus, Indiana’s first-ever mobile lung cancer screening unit hits the road. We’ll meet the team behind this 40-foot CT scanner on wheels, designed to bring life-saving early detection directly to Hoosiers in rural areas. Also in this episode: The State Fairgrounds' big sports play: How a state-of-the-art indoor track is attracting national competitions and boosting local revenue. A look inside Jim Irsay’s multimillion-dollar collection: From Bob Dylan’s electric guitar to Muhammad Ali’s iconic fight robe, we go behind the scenes with the Colts owner’s world-class artifacts. Indiana’s role in March Madness: With 43 postseason college basketball games in Indianapolis this month, we break down the city’s economic impact and what’s ahead for 2026, when Indy hosts all major NCAA men’s championships. The latest in Indiana’s auto industry: How tariffs could impact thousands of Honda workers in Greensburg, and what the future holds for the state’s manufacturing sector.