INDIANAPOLIS (April 30, 2025) – The 500 Festival proudly announced the grand-prize winner of the 2025 Connected Through May Contest today during Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank. The announcement was part of the annual celebration that marks the official start of the Month of May in Indianapolis. The grand-prize winner is Stan Tyner, a 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 fan from Marion, IN.  As the grand-prize winner, Stan received race day swag, a STAR Bank YETI cooler and tumbler, VIP 500 Festival Parade tickets, and access to a VIP brunch with STAR Bank before the Parade.  

Stan and his wife, Cynthia, have been part of 500 Festival and Indy 500 traditions for decades, creating a legacy that now spans three generations. Cynthia’s first memory of the 500 Festival dates back to the early 1960s, when she attended the parade as a young girl with her family. Since then, she and Stan have celebrated countless moments together – like watching their daughter receive her medal at the Mini-Marathon and power-walking the event side-by-side in recent years. 

“The Connected Through May Contest is a wonderful way for fans to reflect on the memories that make the Month of May so special,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We’re proud to partner with STAR Bank to celebrate the passion, tradition, and community spirit that surrounds the Indy 500 and 500 Festival.” 

“STAR is honored to continue our longstanding partnership with the 500 Festival and the Kickoff to May,” said Scott Bove, regional president of STAR Bank. “The 500 Festival plays a vital role in bringing communities together, promoting wellness, and paying tribute to our nation’s fallen service members, all while celebrating one of Indiana’s most iconic traditions.  We are proud to support this impactful organization and look forward to a successful month of May, culminating in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.” 

In addition to announcing the contest winners, Kickoff to May also featured a high-energy race with custom-designed soap box derby cars – built and decorated by students in the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. These cars were selected not only for their creativity and craftsmanship but also for the dedication and imagination of the students behind them. 

This year marks a major milestone for the Education Program, which has now impacted more than 500,000 students since its inception. The soap box derby was a fitting celebration of this achievement, spotlighting a program that connects our community, empowers youth, and ties it all back to the energy and excitement of the Indy 500. 

Bob Bryant, Doug Boles, Scott Bove, Mayor Hogsett, Taylor Shaffer, and Jacob Abel participated in the friendly competition, representing different schools with pride. After a series of races, Scott Bove took home the win and trophy. 

Learn more about the 500 Festival Connected Through May Contest, presented by STAR Bank, here.

We hope to see you at more 500 Festival events this May. Learn more at 500Festival.com/may.