The Little 500 is one of Indiana University’s greatest traditions. A typical field of 33 teams will race for the 74th Men’s Little 500 title. However, everyone has their eyes on one team: Sigma Alpha Epsilon. SAE led the field last year for the most laps of the 73rd Men’s Little 500, but they could not get the job done. In the end, they were bested by Black Key Bulls who qualified first, one spot ahead of SAE. This year, every SAE rider is returning, and they all have their heart set on one thing.
Redemption.
“The vibes are definitely high,” SAE rider Rhett Skvarna said. “All of us want to win, we’re still really mad from last year.”
The team consists of two brothers, Luke and Matthew Naas, a childhood friend, Lucas Lemme, and an immediate college brother, Rhett Skvarna. The group of friends have biked together for years, they live together, and they have a connection unlike any other team in the field.
“As far as team chemistry goes, I don’t think there’s a team with more chemistry than us,” SAE rider Lucas Lemme said.
Not only is the team starting second in the race, but they also won the Spring Series, and Luke Naas won Individual Time Trials. However, as the expectations rise for SAE, so, too, does the pressure.
“Mindset is really good,” SAE captain Luke Naas claimed. “I’m going to be honest, every single year we’ve raced I’ve thought we could win the race.”
Luke is hoping to cement himself as one of the best bikers to race in the Little 500. Having won the Individual Time Trials two years in a row and the Spring Series this year, winning the race is the cherry on top that Luke needs to write his name into the history books.
SAE’s only victory came all the way back in 1963, adding to the pressure this year’s team is facing. They have had 10 top-5 finishes since their 1963 victory and finished 6th at both of the last two races.
“Lucas and I have been racing and have kind of helped Luke bring the team up from the ground,” Skvarna said. “So we want a reward now, this is our time.”
Q&A with SAE riders about nerves and support
Finishing second isn’t an option for the Naas brothers. Not only do they carry the expectation of leading the strongest team SAE has had in years, but they also have family legacy to consider. SAE’s coach for the past four years has been none other than Bill Naas, Luke and Matthew’s dad.
“It’s definitely a unique experience,” Luke Naas said. “He knows how to push you and he knows when he shouldn’t push you.”
Bill Naas raced in the Little 500 with his younger brother Jeff in the ‘90s. Bill was one of the top riders in the field when he raced, but he was never able to cross the finish line first. In fact, the only Naas who has been able to accomplish that feat is Luke and Matthew’s mom, Gina.
“I just want to show out for [our parents], make them have a great day and a great weekend.” Luke Naas said with a smile.
Q&A with the Naas’ about having their dad as a coach and with the other riders about team chemistry.
SAE will start the race one position behind the defending champions, Black Key Bulls. The race is on Saturday, April 26th. The race will be broadcast on the Little 500 network at 2 pm ET.
