The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The 2011 500 Festival princesses represent 11 Indiana colleges and universities and 24 cities and towns across the state. The young women were selected from 278 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance, and community and volunteer involvement. The 500 Festival has narrowed the field to 33 princesses who will serve as ambassadors for the 2011 500 Festival.

In this blog series we will introduce you to the 500 Festival Princesses, share what they are doing in Indiana communities and their tips for the month of May. We will also share their dream line-up of 33 drivers from TheGreatest33.com. Want to earn bragging rights by sharing your line-up with friends and family too? Be sure to click the “share” feature after finalizing and submitting your line-up!

With  23 days remaining until the Indy 500, we’re pleased to introduce you to Lauren, Erin, & Tarah!

Name: Lauren Renee Ratcliff

Hometown: West Lafayette

School: Indiana University (Senior)

Number of years you have attended the Indy 500? 1   The 500 Festival Parade? 0

Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:

Enjoy every minute of it! It’s extremely loud and fast paced so make sure you keep up with your favorite driver and where they are in the race. Also, it can get extremely hot and sunny, so definitely make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen!

Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:

As I haven’t been yet myself, I am going to take in every moment and enjoy it to the fullest! That is the advice I would give to a first time attendee, is to get there early for a good spot and stay for every minute of it!

This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:

I am currently setting up an outreach at the Bell Trace retirement home in Bloomington, IN. Myself and other Princesses will be attending a weekly birthday party for the residents and helping with the festivities and celebration all while promoting the 500 Festival! Also the entire Princess Program is putting together Easter Baskets for the kids at Riley Children’s Hospital!

This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: The Celebration of Automobiles

Let us know when you spot a 500 Festival Princess in your hometown!

Name: Erin Drew

Hometown: Carmel, IN

School: Ball State University

Number of years you have attended the Indy 500? 16! The 500 Festival Parade? At least 12!

Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:

SUNCREEN! Lather up or you will feel it later! Also just have fun with the race, walk around, talk to people, and soak up all the excitement and history of the greatest spectacle in racing!

Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:

Its going to be crowded, but have fun! This is such a fun day for Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the sport of racing as a whole! Drink lots of water, lather up with sunscreen, and cheer loud for your friends and favorite driver!

This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:

I am going to as many outreach opportunities as I can! So far I have been to multiple nursing homes and I have walked in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Coming up I will be going and visiting the children at Riley Children’s Hospital, volunteering at Anderson Speedway, helping out in Muncie Mission, helping out at the KINDY 500 at my old elementary school, and much more!!

This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: Everything!

500 Festival Princesses in the Winner's Circle!

Name: Tarah Miller

Hometown: Alexandria, IN

School: Ball State University

Number of times you have attended the Indy 500? 5 The 500 Festival Parade?3

Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:

Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!

Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:

Get there early so you have a good view of all the beautiful floats, and don’t forget to bring your camera.

This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:

As a representative of the Princess Program, I have had the opportunity to volunteer my time to educate others in my community about the 500 Festival. From doing activities with Girl Scout troops to visiting with senior citizens, I have met many different people who have been brought together by a mutual love of the 500 Festival. During my time as a 500 Festival Princess, I am looking forward to participating in several other community events with The Muncie Mission, Alexandria Community Schools, and the Muncie Rehabilitation Center.

This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: The Pace Car Reunion