INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— The smell of fresh-baked rolls and slow-cooked ribs filled the studio Friday as representatives from Texas Roadhouse discussed the restaurant chain’s partnership with Indianapolis 500 driver Jacob Abel.

The Louisville-based chain is sponsoring Abel and the Abel Motorsports No. 51 car for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, creating what company representatives described as a natural connection between Louisville and Indianapolis.

Jade Poor, a Texas Roadhouse representative, said while showcasing several race-weekend menu items, “We say we brought Louisville to Indianapolis this year. It’s really, really cool.”

Abel, a rookie at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, h...