For the past several months, the novel coronavirus impacted major cultural and sporting events across the country. This weekend, the Indianapolis 500 will roar into action with a Siouxland man in the spotlight.
Alex Wakefield who lives near Sioux City grew up watching and even racing in a sport that fueled his creativity.
“It was noise and excitement and as a kid you get into it, and it kind of just stuck with me.”
Wakefield quickly gave up a dream of driving and focused on drawings of fast cars and the daredevils behind the wheel.
“I was building my own world will illustration and painting and messing it all kind of spiralied into. It’s a lot of fun to be in.
Wakefield who at one time worked part-time at the track in Indianapolis as a graphic designer was chosen to design the program for this year’s race.
“It’s easily the most challenging thing I have ever illustrated and most rewarding too.”
His masterpiece shows a dynamic timeline of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
“So, I had to really hit the bullet points of how the cars looked and the personalities who made the Indianapolis 500 what it is.”
The Indy 500 did get pushed back from Memorial Day Weekend, and will run without fans in the stands. Even with this difficult timing, Wakefield keeps a positive attitude.
“Hopefully, I can go back next year and this year we can make lemons out of lemonade.”
A milestone, for Wakefield even during a world-wide pandemic.
