A successful race weekend involves more than what happens on the track. Behind the scenes, the track operations team works to bring every moving part together and create an experience for fans, teams and partners. For Blake Schneider, Event Operations Coordinator, that work began in Indiana as a college student at Indiana University–Indianapolis. What started as an opportunity through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway College Program grew into a full-time career with Penske Entertainment and eventually brought him to Arlington in 2025. We caught up with Blake to learn more about his journey, his experience supporting events across the country and what goes into bringing the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington to life.
Q: What initially sparked your interest in motorsports?
A: My whole life has revolved around motorsports. I started racing myself when I was 8 years old until I was 15. For a while after I had to hang up the helmet, I drifted away from the sport until my time with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway team. This is where my love for the sport was reignited. From there, I knew that motorsports were where I am supposed to be.
Q: How would you describe your role in Track Operations to someone unfamiliar with what you do?
A: My role is to essentially build the track and the event that surrounds it. A project manager overseeing track construction, infrastructure and event readiness.
Q: What's one behind-the-scenes responsibility fans might not realize happens before race weekend?
A: The time it takes to prepare and execute events of this magnitude. There are many vendors and other stakeholders that need to meet and come together for the event to go off without a hitch. For example, if Vendor A does not get involved before vendor B, then vendor B cannot perform its duties.
Q: Your role requires coordinating with several departments and external partners. What's the most rewarding part of bringing everyone together?
A: The most rewarding part of bringing everyone together is being able to physically see what your efforts produce. Our operations team is in a unique position where you can physically see the work you put in. You can see what the coordination between departments, vendors, and partners looks like. The biggest reward within that is the effect our event has on others around the world.
Q: What's one challenge that comes with working in Track Operations, and how do you approach it?
A: Time management will always be a challenge in an operations role. You're often needed in multiple places at once. Developing the ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently and effectively will help you stay organized, meet expectations, and be more successful in your role.
Q: What's a career accomplishment or memorable moment you're particularly proud of?
A: The career accomplishments that I’m proud of are having integral roles of the first sell-out Indy 500 since the 100th running, the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, and the first and only Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC.
Q: If you could take a two-seater lap around any track on the IndyCar schedule, past or present, which would you choose?
A: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval, of course)
Q: What's something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of work?
A: I was inducted into a quarter midget racing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Q: What's one Thanksgiving dish you absolutely cannot go without?
A: Bread Rolls.
