Sixteen-year-old David’s wish was a tall order to fill. Riding in a pace car is one thing, but wishing to ride in a pace car at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – also known as the Indianapolis 500 – in quite another. Lucky for the teenager and his wish granters at the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation^® , UAW-GM has been the Foundation’s top sponsor for four years and has plenty of contacts with the Indianapolis 500. With additional assistance from Chevrolet and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana, David had many minds working together to create a high-octane wish.

David shared his wish experience with several people, including mom Marianne, dad Fred, younger sister Lauren, and best friend Patrick. The group’s first big activity in Indianapolis came the day before the race with a VIP tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pits, which is where the racecars are repaired and refueled. Next, David’s dream to ride in the official Indy 500 pace car came true as he rode in a 2004 Chevrolet SSR for a “hot lap.” That night, the family attended the Chevrolet Welcome Reception at the Westin Grand Ballroom with dinner, driver visits, and entertainment.

The next day was a big one in the sports world with the running of the 87th Indianapolis 500, and David was in the middle of it all. With credentials in hand, the family boarded buses at 7:30 a.m. to begin their Indy adventure. Their first stop was the Chevrolet suites at the racetrack for a buffet breakfast. The family was also available for media interviews at that time. Next came a trip down to the track for a parade lap, during which the family rode in the back of a Chevrolet Silverado SS pickup truck and waved to race spectators. They were even the first truck!

At 11:00 a.m., the 87th Indianapolis 500 began, and David watched from the comfort of the Chevrolet suites. During the race, he had access to a buffet lunch. The young fan of drivers Al Unser, Jr. and Michael Andretti watched as Penske Racing’s Gil de Ferran took the checkered flag to win the famed event and its $1.35 million purse.