These first-person essays are part of a special series leading up to the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25 on FOX in which INDYCAR drivers penned letters about what the historic race means to them. Check back for the latest entries and read them all below.

Pato O’Ward — No. 5, Arrow McLaren

“I’ve had my heart broken here. … I’ve walked away so close to victory, but also with a sting so deep, thinking about how close we were. And yeah, it hurts. But it also fuels me.” Read the full story.

Marcus Ericsson — No. 28, Andretti Global

“Winning the Indy 500 was a dream come true for me. It changed my life forever. That’s the power of this race.” Read the full story.

Christian Lundgaard — No. 7, Arrow McLaren

“To the Speedway — I’m here. Ready to write my own chapter.” Read the full story. 

Takuma Sato – No. 75, Rahal Letterman Racing

“It started as a young boy on the other side of the world, watching a race I didn’t fully understand — but knew I wanted to be a part of.” Read the full story.

Sting Ray Robb – No. 77, Juncos Hollinger Racing

“There will be setbacks. Doubt. Isolation. Your familiar place atop the podium vanishes. You’ll question if you’re enough.” Read the full story.

Christian Rasmussen – No. 21, Ed Carpenter Racing

“Seared into my memory forever is standing on the grid surrounded by 350,000 race fans who waited through the weather and the buzz of the fans filling the air.” Read the full story.

Conor Daly – No. 76, Juncos Hollinger Racing

“It’s hard to believe I get to tell you this, but you will get a chance to write your own superhero story.” Read the full story.

Nolan Siegel – No. 6, Arrow McLaren

“Not qualifying for the race hurt. That moment could’ve broken me. Instead, it built me.” Read the full story.

Jack Harvey – No. 24, DRR

“The smallest dreams can become true life. The sliver of chances can become reality. You just have to have the passion and drive and dare to believe it can happen to you.” Read the full story.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, – No. 23, DRR

“That’s when you recognize your mental toughness, bravery, or maybe even sheer stupidity.” Read the full story.

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