A family from Marion County had unique eyes on the biggest sprint car racing event in the world.

Miranda Bandstra received a front row seat to the Knoxville Nationals as part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation last week. Miranda, a student at Jefferson Intermediate in Pella, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April of 2022 and has since undergone treatment. When approached about a Make-a-Wish opportunity, the family chose the Nationals, according to her mother, Heather.

“Last year, we met with McKenna Haase, and spent a little time with [Miranda], and McKenna really sparked a love for racing in Miranda,” she said. “McKenna was a huge influence in her picking the Nationals.”

Miranda is thankful for how she was able to interact with many of the drivers and the overall racing community.

“I got to have a couple of pace truck rides, I got to go down to the flag stand during hot laps and do the lights,” Miranda said.

Hear more about the experience on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.