(NewsNation) — The Indianapolis 500 is known for its fast, open-wheel racing and the sound of the engines, and for one artist in Indianapolis, its the ideal place to paint.

Justin Patten, of Zionsville, Indiana, has always wanted to put sports and art together, and the race is allowing him to do just that.

“This is like the greatest sporting event in the world,” the artist and owner of Storm Striker Art told “Morning in America” on Sunday ahead of the race.

Patten taught for 17 years and is now a full-time painter.

“My students were sad to see me go, but they were like ‘it makes sense Mr. Patten, you should be an artist,'” he said.

He called the track an “exciting environment” with fans requesting a range of paintings.

“It’s just wonderful to see people come up and dab me up, give me five, just say great job,” Patten said. “It’s just great to see people out here who are excited to see me painting.”