This year’s IndyCar season was the second year in a row. Lincoln Tech students had the fantastic possibility of participatingin the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) Mentor Program, which gave them a glimpse of pit crew life. Students who were selected, as well as members of the SPM crew and racer James Hinchcliffe, got to witness the highs and lows of the racing circuit.

The 2018 season saw an impressive performance for Hinchcliffe at the beginning of the season. However, it was marred by a tragic accident that claimed another player during the summer. Five races saw the best Lincoln Tech students and their instructors in the pit. It was a life-changing event for all.

Niko Romanzi

“I still can’t believe I’m here,” Niko stated when he stepped into the pit for the season’s opening race. “This is an amazing opportunity; it’s what happens when you come to school every day.”

When asked about the significance of being selected as a participant in the SPM program, this was the response he gave. Niko and instructor Kevin Carman from the Queens, NY campus took part in the IndyCar Grand Prix in Indianapolis on May 12, where Hinchliffe started the season by putting in an impressive 7th-place finish.

Erroel Costilla

Lincoln Tech sent Erroel and instructor Jerry King to the Indianapolis 500 at the famous Motor Speedway. They were able to be part of SPM’s SPM Team for two weekends. First, they participated in the qualifying laps, Carb Day, and then the “big show” – the Indy 500 – Memorial Day Weekend.

It was an appropriate choice for the race since Erroel was selected from the local Indianapolis campus to participate. Hinchcliffe could not get in; however, it was an excellent experience for Erroel. It was an invaluable professional experience and the opportunity of a lifetime when his team was part of Robert Wickens’ #6 car.

Benjamin Driskell

Benjamin, a student on Lincoln Tech’s Nashville campus, was accompanied by his teacher, James Maxwell, for the DXC Technology 600 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Hinchcliffe was 15th at the 9th June event.

“Racing is something I’ve always wanted to get into,” Benjamin states. “If I didn’t attend class every day, if I didn’t actually try when I came to school, I never would have gotten this opportunity.”

Jacqueline and Nathalie Mische

In an unprecedented event for Lincoln Tech and the SPM Mentor program, two students from the same college were chosen to compete in an event – and they were twins! Jacqueline, Nathalie, and Kristopher Fluckiger, the instructor – a Lincoln Tech graduate – attracted the interest of NBC Sports and were even interviewed by their website before the race.

The sisters of The East Windsor campus were selected to compete in The ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, August 18. However, the race was marred by a fatal crash involving many automobiles, including Hinchliffe and Wickens. Wickens, who had earlier been named the 2018 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, suffered a severe injury and is healing. Wickens won the all-time Sunoco Rookie of the Year in the final race.

Thomas Harrigan

Thomas, a student on the Lincoln Tech Union campus, was part of the SPM team at one of the season’s closing events, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois. He was present to observe Hinchliffe finish 15th in the race. Complete to accomplish something he never thought he would be able to do.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Thomas states. “I enjoy the sport and never would have thought I’d get to be part of this team.” Schmidt Peterson group. It’s like a dream.”

It’s impossible to think about what direction the Lincoln Tech career training program will lead you. Just inquire with Cole Jagger, a Lincoln Tech grad who is now a part of SPM. SPM team! Lincoln Tech is proud to collaborate with Schmidt Peterson in helping students gain a first-hand view of a fantastic high-speed career pathway.

We are looking forward to the year ahead!