By Jeffrey Stagg
Growing up on the west side of Indianapolis, my family and I lived in houses less than five blocks from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
Our first home was in the neighborhood just outside Turn 3 and the second was west of the main straightaway. Depending on the street you were on, you could sometimes catch a partial view of the towering grandstands and the control tower.
There’s no motor race anywhere that matches the atmosphere and electricity of the Indy 500 — or since 1994, the Brickyard 400 (NASCAR).
Joining the race
Five months ago, I retired from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department after 46 years as a uniformed officer. Being a police officer in Indianapolis, especially assigned to the Southwest or Northwest Districts on a race weekend (particularly for the Indy 500), is a hectic and unique experience for every officer — and that’s putting it mildly.
In September 2024, I had the opportunity to experience the International Motor Sports Association’s (IMSA) “Battle on the Bricks” event at IMS. This endurance race takes place on the IMS road course, weaving through the track’s infield before exiting onto Turn 2. From there, drivers continue to Turn 1, then speed down the main straightaway to re-enter the road course. Unlike the traditional Indy 500, these SportsCars race in the opposite direction on this part of the iconic 2.5-mile oval track.
The two days of racing were especially thrilling, as Badge of Honor Racing geared up for its debut in the 2025 season. Founded by Pamela Bissell, Badge of Honor Racing is a unique racing team dedicated not only to competing in the prestigious IMSA circuit but also to innovatively supporting the law enforcement community.
Starting next year, Badge of Honor Racing will compete in events at IMS and other iconic venues like Daytona International Speedway, Watkins Glen International and Sebring International Raceway.
Through a strategic partnership with Police1, Badge of Honor Racing aims to boost law enforcement recruitment by tapping into the excitement of motorsports. By showcasing the dedication and teamwork that both racing and law enforcement share, the partnership seeks to inspire a new generation to consider careers in public safety while engaging current officers and their families in a shared passion for racing.
Take a look at the Badge of Honor Racing Ford Mustang GT, featured at IACP 2024, as part of an exciting partnership with Police1. Together, Police1 and Badge of Honor Racing are driving recruitment efforts, using the thrill of motorsports to inspire and attract the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
Drivers Christian Perocarpi, 21, of Brownsburg, Ind., and Clayton Williams, 22, of Oakley, Calif., were at the event, preparing to race on the same legendary track where icons like A.J. Foyt, the Unser family and Rick Mears made history. Christian and Clayton will be piloting the Badge of Honor Racing Ford Mustang GT in IMSA’s Grand Touring Prototype, Le Mans Prototype, GT Daytona Pro and GT Daytona classes.
A racing transformation
Throughout the event, I had the chance to reflect on just how much the IMS has evolved since the Indy 500’s early days.
The infield area, particularly between Turns 1 and 2, has transformed dramatically, now featuring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Decades ago, this area was known as the “Snake Pit,” where fans with general admission gathered, creating an annual scene that resembled Woodstock!
NEXT: To learn more about how Badge of Honor Racing is driving change and supporting law enforcement recruitment efforts, check out Police1’s coverage of its partnership aimed at boosting law enforcement ranks.
About the author
Officer Jeffrey Stagg retired from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in April 2024 after an impressive 46 years of dedicated service. Assigned to the Operations Division/Southwest District, he served on both the hostage crisis negotiator team and the honor guard team. Stagg’s enduring commitment to his community and passion for law enforcement has made him a respected figure on the streets he patrolled for nearly half a century. To learn more about Stagg’s remarkable police career, read his full story here on Police1.