PRI Hoosier 500 Leadership
The individuals that makes the PRI Hoosier 500 Mile Race move – meet our leadership team.
TANNER WATKINS
president, co-owner
Watkins returns to the PRI Hoosier 500 as president and co-owner after founding the event as the Open-Wheels 500 in 2019. He led IndyCar Series coverage on Open-Wheels from 2017-20, later working for INDYCAR in race control before leading marketing efforts for Indianapolis Raceway Park from 2021 to 2023.
The Indianapolis resident currently serves as Senior Marketing Manager for the National Hot Rod Association, crafting media buy and marketing strategies for the esteemed organization’s 20 national events and select support races.
Watkins received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University, and his graduate degree from the University of Southern Indiana, both in Sport Management.
RYAN SCHULD
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, co-owner
Schuld joins the PRI Hoosier 500 team officially, filling out the blueprint designed prior to the race’s sale in 2021. Serving as Chief Development Officer alongside co-owner responsibilities, Schuld will lean on his experience working sales for Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation to help grow the impact of the PRI Hoosier 500 through strategic partners.
The Indiana native currently serves as Key Accounts Manager for Aegis Worldwide, a renowned staffing and recruiting firm based in Carmel, Indiana. Ryan is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, earning his undergraduate degree in Sports Marketing and Management.
Jeff Drake
Race Director, Veterans 100
Drake joined the staff officially on May 30, 2025, leading competition and technical direction for the popular Veterans 100 support race.
A Michigan native, Drake is a longtime veteran in the iRacing IndyCar community. He made his introduction to the service in 2010 and has been a mainstay in the prestigious iRacing Indianapolis 500 over the last decade.
In his role for the Hoosier 500, Drake will advise race officials on rulebook and formula strategy for the Veterans 100, as well as serving in the role as Race Director for on-track activity at the Day Before the 500.
Jeff is a graduate of Michigan State University.
HELP THE PRI HOOSIER 500 GROW
join the PRI hoosier 500 leadership team today
We are always looking for talented individuals who would like to help grow the PRI Hoosier 500 with us. From partnerships to race operations – and lots in between – it takes a team to make this the World’s Greatest Sim Race.
Inquire about joining the team today by emailing Tanner Watkins at tanner@thehoosier500.com and we can discuss current needs and fits.
