A car enthusiast.

That’s how Whitney Fung describes dad James, who has been the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Gate 1 supervisor on Indianapolis 500 weekends since 2013. His passion for cars and racing rubbed off on Whitney. Living in Carmel, Indiana, they’ve attended most of the races at IMS each year, including the renowned 500.

With the university that has the nation’s only accredited motorsports #engineering degree essentially in her backyard, Whitney Fung’s college decision was easy: Purdue University in Indianapolis provided everything she wanted to continue to fuel her loves.

“Cars and racing have been a way for my family to connect and have always had a special meaning to me,” said first-year student Fung, a #PurdueEngineering ambassador and latest to be featured in “Faces of Purdue Engineering.”

She’s fostering a family of a different sort now at #Purdue, surrounded by like-minded gearheads — in the best meaning of the word.

“I feel a strong sense of connectivity at Purdue,” Fung said. “The staff and students are supportive and genuinely invested in helping each other succeed, creating a collaborative and uplifting community. Ultimately, Purdue empowers me to gain the skills and industry connections I need to achieve my career goals.”

Like reconnecting with an internationally recognized motorsports manufacturer.

Fung already had an experience with Dallara in high school — in Italy, no less — but she’s hoping for another opportunity. Especially considering Dallara’s IndyCar U.S. headquarters in Speedway, Indiana — steps from the IMS and 4.5 miles from Purdue Indy’s campus — houses the motorsports degree program.

But she also knows there are a variety of opportunities for connections in the industry. After all, the university is located in the “Racing Capital of the World.” 

Wherever Fung lands, she’ll have a supportive, encouraging family to thank, she said.

“They have raised me to be curious and resilient and to always strive for growth,” Fung said. “I want to make the most of the opportunities I am given, honoring their support, and making them proud by following my passion and working hard toward my goals.”

Writer: Stacey Clardie, [email protected]
Photos: Yash Trivedi, [email protected]
First posted on Instagram @purdueundergradengineers