For Pete Merkel, Hillsdale ’90, joining Delta Sigma Phi wasn’t just about campus life—it was about surrounding himself with men who shared his values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity. What began in a small Michigan college town ultimately shaped a career that would span decades in one of the most fast-paced industries around: motorsports.

A former baseball player at Hillsdale College, Merkel found himself in a fraternity house largely dominated by football players. But it wasn’t the sport that solidified his bond with Delta Sigma Phi—it was the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity that laid the foundation for his future. “It felt like home,” he says. “The guys treated people right and always showed up for each other.” Serving as chapter treasurer gave him a glimpse into leadership early on—and a sense of purpose that stuck.

During his time in the chapter, Pete served as treasurer, a role that gave him an early taste of leadership and responsibility. “It was a great way to give back and to show my parents that I wasn’t just looking for a free ride,” he says with a chuckle. “It gave me a sense of purpose outside of school.”

More than three decades later, those Fraternity bonds remain strong. “Some of my best friends to this day are my Delta Sig brothers. I’m still meeting up with them for events like Opening Day in Detroit—it’s like no time has passed.”

That foundation would prove vital. Pete’s love for sports steered him toward a career in the industry, initially with dreams of working in the front office for the Detroit Tigers. But a last-minute internship at Michigan International Speedway introduced him to racing—and the business behind it. From there, his career sped forward.

“At the time, motorsports weren’t as mainstream as they are today. It wasn’t on TV regularly, and the drivers weren’t household names,” Pete explains. “But my mentor told me that the long-term growth potential in racing far outpaced what I could expect in baseball. He was right.”

His first full-time role came with Penske, where he spent 12 years working his way through different departments—ticketing, operations, marketing, and sales. That cross-functional experience proved invaluable.

“I learned every side of the business,” he says. “And at Penske, you’re surrounded by professionals who do things the right way. The standards are high, and that shaped how I work to this day.”

Eventually, Pete became General Manager of Chicago Motor Speedway, where he oversaw everything from facility management to race-day execution. From there, he transitioned to the team side of motorsports, joining Dale Earnhardt, Inc. during one of its most high-profile eras.

“Working at DEI was intense,” Pete recalls. “It was a big brand with a lot of attention, and you had to be sharp. But it was also exciting—we were part of something that mattered to a lot of people.”

In 2012, Pete decided it was time to build something of his own. He founded Inertia Sports, a management and consulting firm that works with clients in NASCAR, NHRA, and across the broader sports and sponsorship world. His client list includes top-tier names like Technique Chassis and the Menard family, among others.

Through every career pivot, Pete has drawn on the same teamwork and leadership skills he first developed alongside his fraternity brothers in Delta Sigma Phi.

“The racing industry operates like a team sport. It takes thousands of people working together to put on a single event,” he explains. “Whether it’s a race at Michigan International Speedway or a sponsorship deal for a driver, it’s all about collaboration.”

The industry has evolved dramatically during Pete’s career, with artificial intelligence reshaping everything from marketing strategies to event planning. Yet, he believes the core of motorsports—relationships and teamwork—will always be its foundation.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with clients for decades because they trust me to represent them well,” he says. “It’s just like in the Fraternity—you build trust, you show up, and you do the right thing.”

From Hillsdale to the heart of NASCAR, Pete Merkel’s career is a testament to the power of brotherhood, leadership, and a shared passion for the work. And while Pete has no plans to slow down anytime soon, he’s quick to credit where it all started. “The Fraternity taught me that leadership is about more than a title. It’s about doing right by others. That lesson still drives everything I do.”