INDIANAPOLIS (April 24, 2025) – The 500 Festival will welcome a distinguished panel of women leading the motorsports industry to the 2025 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. The signature event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 9 a.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

Aligned with this year’s theme of victory, the panel discussion will spotlight the voices of women who are not only breaking barriers in motorsports but redefining what it means to win. The conversation will explore their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the importance of visibility and representation. Their leadership, on and off the track, serves as a powerful reminder that victory takes many forms, and that paving the way for others is one of the most meaningful wins of all. 

Panelists Cindy Sisson, Dr. Julia Vaizer, and Ryann Weatherford will be joined by moderator Katie Kiel, former 500 Festival Princess and active personality in the motorsport community.  

Cindy Sisson – Executive Director, Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) 

WIMNA is a not-for profit whose mission is to Advance, Connect and Enable women in the motorsports industry. With a background in Fortune 500 companies, global events, and public-private partnerships, Cindy brings decades of leadership in business, marketing, and advocacy to the organization. 

Dr. Julia Vaizer – Medical Director, INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway  

As the first woman Medical Director for INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, she leads the nation’s only motorsports medicine fellowship and plays a vital role in training future physicians while overseeing medical response across the series. 

Ryann Weatherford – Vice President of Partnership Activations and Communications, Andretti Global 

Since joining the team in 2007, she has played a key role in expanding the organization’s presence across numerous racing series, including INDYCAR, Formula E, and IMSA. Her leadership has supported collaborations with global brands and contributed to multiple championship titles and Indianapolis 500 wins. 

For full bios and headshots, please click here.  

“These remarkable women are shaping the future of motorsports in powerful ways,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We’re proud to welcome them to the 2025 Breakfast at the Brickyard stage. Their stories, and the progress they represent, will leave a lasting impact on our event and the future of racing itself.” 

Breakfast at the Brickyard is a time-honored tradition for both the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This annual celebration brings together Indiana’s mayors, race fans, business leaders, and the 500 Festival Princesses to enjoy a classic Hoosier breakfast and hear from iconic personalities across both organizations and the state.  

Tickets for the 2025 Breakfast at the Brickyard are sold out, but highlights of the event will be available on WISH-TV. Click here to join the interest list for 2026 tickets. 

Support of the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard is provided by: Midwestern Engineers, Inc., Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Krieg DeVault, Markey’s, McDonald’s, Mojo Up, Bridge Builder Strategies, WISH-TV, and WIBC.