An actual IndyCar was brought to the Mobile Indy 500 Trip.

MENTONE — Mentone Elementary School hosted a Mobile Indy 500 field trip this morning, Thursday, March 22.

Mobile Indy 500 trips allow schools that can’t attend a Study Trip at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to experience the racetrack by providing an interactive program where students can learn about the race.

Fourth graders from Mentone, Warsaw Christian Academy and Plymouth STEM Academy were present at the event.

The program focuses on aspects such as the history of the track surface, Indy 500 careers and the equipment drivers wear.

An actual IndyCar was also brought to the event for students to see.

Lee Ann Rock, a fourth grade teacher at Mentone Elementary, says that the program is all correlated to state standards.

The Indy 500 Festival Committee provides classrooms with a teaching packet of materials about the race. This also includes a DVD that discusses the history and facts of the race, such as what’s considered bad luck and who the first female drivers in the race were.

“The committee does an excellent job with this event, and they provide a ton of information,” Rock said.

Mobile Indy 500 trips are offered to schools free of charge, with the 500 Festival providing volunteers to help run the event.