Purdue Sales Student Makes History at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As the roar of engines filled the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), Purdue University junior Alyna Roney was making history behind the scenes.

Roney became the first-ever Premium Sales Intern at IMS, as well as the first woman and first Black woman to serve on the Speedway’s sales team – a groundbreaking achievement for one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. In more than a century of racing tradition, IMS had never had a woman on its sales staff, making Alyna’s role truly record-setting.

A selling and sales management major in Purdue’s White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Roney landed the prestigious internship through the HTM Career Fair. Throughout spring and summer 2025, she balanced coursework with long drives from West Lafayette to Indianapolis, fully immersing herself in the fast-paced world of motorsports sales.

Once on the team, Roney didn’t just participate – she excelled. She connected with prospective clients, led facility tours of the legendary Speedway, and sold premium packages and hospitality suites within one of IMS’s most competitive divisions.

“It was such a rewarding experience,” Alyna said. “I learned how to sell at a high level, build relationships with clients, and represent one of the most historic venues in sports; all while working with an incredible team.”

Her internship blended tradition with innovation, giving Alyna firsthand experience in professional sports sales while helping shape a more inclusive future for the organization.

Outside of IMS, Alyna continues to build an impressive résumé. She is earning a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is an active member of Women in Sales, and serves on the College of Health and Human Sciences Student Council. She plans to graduate in Spring 2027.

Her performance at IMS left such a strong impression that she received a return offer for another race season. But Alyna is already looking ahead—currently interviewing with major media companies as she explores the next chapter of her career.

Alyna Roney’s journey reflects the power of experiential learning and the rising influence of Purdue’s sales students in competitive, high-profile industries nationwide. From the classroom to the Speedway, she is proving that Purdue students don’t just enter the race—they lead it.