May in Indianapolis centers around the Greatest Spectacle in Racing as the host city for the Indianapolis 500. For two Oaks alums, they’re chasing their dreams for speed and getting hands-on experience in motorsports and auto racing while pursuing their college degrees.
Steven Scott, Class of ‘19, entered the racing world through NXG Youth Motorsports. After driving for over three years, Steven transitioned to the tech side of racing. As an NXG intern, Steven learned to manage timing and scoring equipment. He traveled to major race events like Road America, Toronto, and the Indy 500, helping teams track performance and fine-tune race strategy. This January, Steven interned with INDYCAR’S head software engineer to develop a program to collect, graph, and report data on tire performance for Firestone Live. Steven is finishing his sophomore year at Franklin College, studying software engineering, and will work part-time for INDYCAR this summer.
Brain “BJ” Shaw, Class of ‘20, started in NSG Youth Motorsports as an independent go-kart driver. After attending racing school in Texas, BJ connected with Arrive Drive Indy and competed across the country in a Formula 1600 car. BJ then set his sights on short-oval racing as a team member of JK Racing. Today, BJ attends Butler University and studies sports media, knowing his future in motorsports is just beginning. He also works with RaceCraft1, helping train the next generation of drivers as a simulation driver. In this role, he provides online endurance training for young drivers to perfect their craft.
Their love for speed isn’t limited to auto racing. At their respective colleges, Steven and BJ are breaking speed records in track & field. BJ walked on to Butler’s D1 track & field team, breaking personal records in the 1600M and 200M. Steven sprints on Franklin’s track & field team and also competes on the soccer team.
Reflecting on their time at The Oaks, both Steven and BJ appreciate the strong habits and mindsets they developed at The Oaks. Learning how to be disciplined students helped them juggle school, sports, and motor racing in high school and beyond.
Often the youngest person working the track, Steven appreciates how he learned the habits of respect and reverence as he interacts with adults much older than him. “When I get up every day, it’s just a lifestyle. The Oaks taught me how to reflect and give reverence,” said Steven. “The Oaks gave me a strong, solid base, and I have been able to build off of that.”
BJ credits The Oaks and his parents with keeping him on track as a student athlete. “The road to get to where you want to go may not be easy, but if you do the work, you can get ahead of the curve,” said BJ.
Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Change is always challenging, especially when it may effect your children. Please share any questions or comments you have using the form below, or by emailing me directly at ahart@theoaksacademy.org.
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