Four UNOH Grads Contribute to 2026 Indy 500 Winning Team

Posted on Monday, June 01, 2026

2026 Indy 500 Winner Felix Rosenqvist with Team in Victory Lane

The University of Northwestern Ohio had a major presence in Victory Lane at the 2026 Indianapolis 500, as four graduates played key roles on the winning Meyer Shank Racing team.

UNOH alumni Kylee Jarman, Hunter Connelly, Jake Callaham, and Jesse Fransisco were all part of the Meyer Shank Racing organization that captured one of the most dramatic victories in Indianapolis 500 history. For Jarman, the victory carried even greater significance, as she became the first female tire specialist on a winning Indianapolis 500 team.

“Being the first female tire specialist is a huge accomplishment because I am also the first female to win the Firestone 2025 tire ‘guy’ of the year award,” said Jarman. “I'm the only female tire specialist in IndyCar and the only female driving a semi-truck in IndyCar. So being there for it all is really special on how the motorsports world is changing for women.”

Jarman’s role with Meyer Shank Racing includes serving as the team’s tire specialist and aeroscreen tear-off person, as well as driving the team’s semi-truck throughout the IndyCar season.

While race fans see only a portion of the action on race day, Jarman explained the enormous amount of preparation that takes place behind the scenes during the month of May.

“Not only do we measure all of our tires, but we make sure every set is clean and prepped, ready to go on the car,” she said. “The pressure for the 500 is always more than any other race. Everything has to be fine-tuned, and one little mistake can end badly for your race.”

The closing laps of the Indy 500 delivered an emotional rollercoaster for the Meyer Shank Racing crew.

“Everyone was so upset and mad. I was in tears because it just slipped through our fingers,” Jarman said. “Then the last laps came around, I was screaming and jumping because the team and I knew Felix was on a mission.”

For Jarman, the path to the Indianapolis 500 winner’s circle began at the University of Northwestern Ohio, where she developed her passion for motorsports and tire preparation through the University’s hands-on programs and motorsports teams.

“When I started at UNOH, I never thought I would be in IndyCar,” said Jarman. “I was on the motorsports team here and became head of the tire department on the team. Tires were something I found interesting and understood.”

During her time at UNOH, Jarman also worked with local sprint car teams and eventually earned her CDL through the University, a decision that ultimately helped open the door to Meyer Shank Racing.

“Towards the end of my time at UNOH, COVID hit, and my graduation date got pushed back, so I decided to get my CDL at the school,” she said. “It was actually how I got the job at Meyer Shank.”

Jarman later continued her education through UNOH’s online bachelor’s degree program in Motorsports Marketing while traveling with the IndyCar circuit.

As one of four UNOH graduates contributing to the Indianapolis 500-winning effort, Jarman said representing the University on motorsports’ biggest stage is something she takes great pride in.

“Representing UNOH as an alumni graduate is so great,” she said. “I get to tell my story on how I got here, and I couldn't have done it without the support of everyone at UNOH and for them to give me the opportunities that they did.”

Jarman also hopes her accomplishments inspire future generations of women pursuing careers in racing.

“This helps other women realize that yes, the work is so hard and yes, the men will give you a hard time,” she said. “But any woman can do it and prove it; it just takes hard work and dedication.”

Category: Applied Technologies, Campus & Community

Keywords: Indy 500, Alumni, Kylee Jarman