IndyCar is a racing organization that manages one of America’s most famous racing events: The Indianapolis 500.
To be able to even join this prestigious event, you have to make a name for yourself in the racing world. At Stevenson, Gabe Jones ‘27 has made his name very well known.
Jones is a part of NXG Youth Motor Sports. When asked about what NXG is, Jones had this to say.
“NXG is a non-profit organization for communities,” Jones Said. “Such as African Americans, Mexicans, and others. It teaches life skills on and off the track. It is structured in 5 different classes.”
Jones was asked to comment further on the different classes within NXG.
“MA100 is for learning the basic skills required to drive and manage all your equipment and your environment,” Jones said. “You also learn the basics of how a racing line works and the science behind it. MA200 is the basics on passing within racing, MA300 is on the differences between credit and debit cards, MA400 is on the tools we would see in the shop for cars and karts and MA500 is a course on all the previous classes, and they would pick students who had completed all four previous classes, like me. NXG would invite us for a celebration, and we also get invited to the Grand Prix.”
The Grand Prix is a ten-round championship within NXG, competing for the title of Champion, where you can only do a max of 2 seasons and must be younger than 16.
Jones has won a Championship of NXG in his second year. To win, you were required to achieve the most pole positions by getting the fastest lap in qualifying and starting first.
Going further, Jones was asked about the challenges and obstacles going into NXG.
“During the racing season,” Jones said. “I hardly have any free time on the weekend because I am spending all day on the track. But, when I do have time, I’m watching races.”
Like other sports, IndyCar takes up a lot of time. Practicing form on the track and perfecting racing moves are skills all racers spend hours training on.
Other sports also have athletes wanting to play from a young age. Jones was asked how he got into the racing scene.
“It started when I was four years old,” Jones said. “My uncle got me an Xbox 360 with Forza Motorsport 4 on it, and the rest is history. I go to the Detroit Grand Prix every year and I love it.”
Jones Mother, India, was also asked to comment on how her family was impacted by IndyCar.
“Our spring through fall consists of about 15 trips to Indianapolis,” India Jones said. “Plus, other endurance races. Sometimes we divide and conquer, and other times the whole family takes the journey.”
With the Jones family being strong together, Gabe’s friend, Ian Osuna, was asked how IndyCar affected him being with Gabe.
“It has impacted me by giving me valuable opportunities,” Ian Osuna said. “Real life experiences and the chance to meet new people.”
