A historic first for Marotti Racing
In May 2016, CNN profiled one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories in Indianapolis 500 history: the debut of Marotti Racing. For Rev. Will Marotti — a lifelong racing fan and pastor from Connecticut — the 100th running of the Indy 500 was more than a race. It was the realization of a dream that had lived with him since childhood, when he first watched quarter midget cars with his father.
Unlike the thousands of fans who simply buy a ticket each year, Marotti was on the inside — leading his own team at racing’s highest level. “I’ve been a fan my entire life,” he told CNN. “At this level, I’m stepping into something for the first time, so I am 100% a student.”
Building Marotti Racing
Forming a new Indy 500 team is no small feat. Costs often exceed $1 million for a single month of competition, and most hopeful entrants never make it to the grid. Marotti knew the challenges, but he pushed forward — calling teams, chasing sponsorship, and refusing to take “no” for an answer.
That persistence led him to Sam Schmidt, the former driver and owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. With Schmidt’s mentorship and the support of committed partners, Marotti Racing earned its place in the 2016 Indianapolis 500 field.
Oriol Servia behind the wheel
To drive the No. 77 Honda, Marotti Racing turned to veteran IndyCar driver Oriol Servia. Servia brought a wealth of experience, having started in the Indy 500 multiple times and finished as high as fourth. Backed by teammates James Hinchcliffe — who dramatically won pole position just a year after a life-threatening crash — and Mikhail Aleshin, Servia entered the race with confidence and top-tier equipment.
The team’s strong qualifying performance proved that Marotti Racing wasn’t just a feel-good story. All three Schmidt Peterson cars started inside the top 10, positioning Marotti’s first-ever entry as a legitimate contender.
A pastor in the paddock
What made the CNN story so unique was the man at the center of it all. Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson confirmed that Will Marotti was the first active minister to lead a team into the Indy 500.
The media quickly latched onto the “no pastor faster” and “faster pastor” headlines, but behind the humor was a deep respect for Marotti’s courage to step into one of the most competitive arenas in sports. For him, the Indy 500 wasn’t just about chasing speed — it was about learning, growing, and showing what determination could achieve.
Legacy and impact
Marotti Racing’s debut at the 100th Indianapolis 500 represented more than a single race. It established the foundation for what would later become Marotti Autosport, a team dedicated to competing at the highest levels of IndyCar while building lasting partnerships with sponsors and fans.
For sponsors, this moment showcased the power of storytelling. National outlets like CNN, with millions of readers worldwide, highlighted the team’s unique journey and gave partners the kind of exposure that few new race teams ever achieve.
Read the original coverage
CNN’s full article captures the passion, faith, and determination that made Marotti Racing’s 2016 Indy 500 story so memorable.
