IndyCar Race Weekend Offers STUdents Unprecedented Experiential Learning Opportunities
By Bruno Diaz
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) debuted its St. Thomas University (STU) number 66 car, piloted by IndyCar standout Marcus Armstrong. The Milwaukee Mile 250 race weekend saw the STU-themed livery reach speeds in excess of 170 mph around the historic one-mile oval. 
The STU–MSR partnership extends well beyond sponsorship, providing students with hands-on development and experiential learning opportunities. Four distinct projects showcased the talents of STU students, bringing their creativity and expertise to various aspects of an IndyCar team:
Project One: Data Science student Maria Ferreira Ramos collaborated with the MSR engineering team for three months to analyze data generated by the MSR cars during races, with the goal of maximizing lap times across circuits and improving pit stop efficiency. On race day, Maria worked inside the MSR engineering trailer alongside MSR engineers and used live data to suggest adjustments in real time. The project was directed by Dr. Bernard Parenteau, Program Director of Computer Science, Data Science, and Cybersecurity studies at STU.
Project Two: Fashion Merchandising & Design student Lucia Battistel designed the fire suit worn by Marcus Armstrong during qualifying and race day. The suit was selected by IndyCar fans in an online contest that featured designs from three other STU Fashion students. The project was directed by Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki, Program Director of the Fashion program at STU.
Project Three: Culinary Arts, Tourism, and Hospitality Management student Marieth Useche created and tested an advanced energy drink formula engineered to heighten the driver’s focus, awareness, hydration, and recovery during practice and on race day. Three unique Miami cocktail–inspired flavors were brought to life: Push2Pass Passion Fruit, Pole Position Mango, and Victory Lap Mojito. The project was directed by Dr. Samer Hassan, Program Director of the STU Culinary program.
Project Four: Sports Administration student Naeve Duarte won an internal contest focused on exploring future sponsorship opportunities for IndyCar teams, specifically Meyer Shank Racing. Naeve’s entry featured the company Neuralink and presented market studies on potential synergies between the company and IndyCar fans. The project was directed by Professor Laura Courtley-Todd, Program Director of Sports Administration at STU.
The MSR–STU partnership gave St. Thomas University students the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with industry professionals and provided STU with a bold new platform for brand-building. During race weekend, both the number 66 STU car and Marcus Armstrong’s race suit captured the attention of fans in attendance and were highlighted in featurettes on FS1 and IndyCar on FOX, the official broadcaster of IndyCar.
Adding to the successful weekend were several STU alumni in attendance, who were surprised and thrilled to see their alma mater so prominently featured in their favorite sport. STU President David A. Armstrong, J.D., spoke with alumni and shared in Bobcat pride among the thousands in attendance.
“This is an unmatched opportunity for our students,” said President Armstrong. “The chance to work with racing professionals and to see their projects and assignments come to life in the real world is what experiential learning is about. St. Thomas University is focused on graduating students with real-world skills, ready to become ethical leaders in their fields. Today’s race was a showcase of those skills, and we are very proud of our students and the professors overseeing their projects.”
President Armstrong, the four students, the faculty program directors, and representatives from STU Marketing & Communications were present throughout the weekend in Milwaukee, with exclusive access to the MSR paddock, the pits, engineering, and the starting grid. President Armstrong and driver Marcus Armstrong (no relation) even shared a moment of prayer and encouragement on the grid moments before the race.
After 250 miles, the number 66 car finished in the Top 10, but for the STU students who took part, it was nothing short of a championship weekend.
