PNC Bank hosts Beaverton STEM-students for Girls at the Track Day
Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering students tour INDYCAR’s portable, on-site medical facilities as part of Girls at the Track Day during this year’s Grand Prix of Portland.
One day before this year’s INDYCAR race at the Grand Prix of Portland, students from the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE) got a behind-the-scenes tour of the track and learned about careers in motorsports.
Girls at the Track Day was made possible by PNC Bank and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). The STEM-focused students toured INDYCAR’s portable, on-site medical facilities where doctors and nurses treat injuries and illnesses at the track. And later, the group heard from women engineers and mechanics about what it takes to prepare cars and drivers.
“I want a career in Engineering; my focus was more Space oriented but seeing this, I’m like wow, this could also be a valid option,” said Mia Davis, BASE Student. “I thought it was very entertaining, very fun and I got to enjoy it with my family and friends.”
PNC’s relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing goes back to 2013. Six-time INDYCAR Champion driver and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon races for CGR in the No. 9 PNC Honda. He is the winningest active driver and is now on the all-time win list only behind A.J. Foyt. CGR is widely recognized as one of the most successful teams in the motorsports industry.
In 2022, PNC and CGR teamed up again to launch Women In Motorsports, Powered by PNC Bank. WIM is an initiative that helps inspire the next generation of engineers, mechanics and other career pathways in motorsports.
“PNC Bank is committed to supporting Portland and all of the markets where we are located coast-to-coast,” said J.T. Hutchinson, PNC regional president for Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Our sharp focus on the community means we are intentional about how we impact the places where we live and work. Sponsoring Girls at the Track Day is just one example of how we are doing that.”
During race weekend, PNC also hosted 60 Portland-area college students who are part of the Automotive Services Technology program.