Racing Against Time: Ray Hartjen on Indy 500, Storytelling & Surviving Cancer

Ray Hartjen wrote about chasing the Indy 500 while fighting cancer. In this exclusive interview, he shares how resilience, purpose, and storytelling intersect with the auto industry and its future.

The automotive world is changing fast—EVs, autonomous vehicles, global disruption—but the lessons that drive innovation remain timeless. In today’s episode, we sit down with Ray Hartjen—writer, musician, marketer, and cancer survivor—to explore how his personal journey shapes powerful lessons for car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and storytellers.
Ray’s story bridges racing, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. His latest book, The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, isn’t just about the sport—it’s about grit, legacy, and what it takes to win in life and business.

We cover:
✅ Why the Indy 500 is more than a race—it’s a model for automotive storytelling
✅ How battling multiple myeloma reshaped Ray’s purpose and outlook on leadership
✅ What the auto industry can learn from vulnerability and crisis
✅ The “Drive + Story” framework for building legacy in mobility and beyond
Whether you’re a new car enthusiast, a dealer principal, or an industry observer looking for deeper insights, this episode offers rare perspective on the intersection of cars, storytelling, and resilience.

📚 Learn more about Ray Hartjen & his work:
🌐 Website: https://rayhartjen.com
📖 Books: Ray Hartjen Books

If you enjoy auto stories with real human depth—like, share, and subscribe. Drop your comments on what legacy YOU think the auto industry should leave behind.

#Indy500 #AutoIndustry #CarNews #RayHartjen #AutomotiveLeadership #EVnews #CarEnthusiast #Resilience


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