Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is an iconic and historic motorsport complex located in the town of Speedway, Indiana, just a few miles west of downtown Indianapolis. Founded in 1909, IMS is globally renowned as the home of the Indianapolis 500, often referred to simply as the Indy 500, which is one of the most prestigious and famous automobile races in the world. The speedway is often called “The Racing Capital of the World” due to its rich heritage, massive scale, and the variety of high-profile racing events it hosts.

Historical Significance

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds a unique place in both motorsport and American cultural history. Its original construction was completed in 1909, with a pioneering design that included a 2.5-mile oval track made of crushed stone and tar. After initial problems with the surface, the entire track was repaved in 1909 using over three million bricks, earning it the nickname “The Brickyard.” Today, a one-yard strip of those original bricks is preserved at the start-finish line as a historic landmark.

The Speedway has witnessed the evolution of auto racing from rudimentary contests to highly technical, international motorsport. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, making it the only motorsport facility to hold this distinction.

The Track Layout

Oval Track: The main course is a 2.5-mile rectangular oval with four distinct turns, each banked at approximately 9 degrees and 12 minutes. The track features long straightaways and tight, challenging corners, demanding both driver skill and high-performance engineering.

Road Course: In addition to the oval, IMS features a 2.605-mile infield road course. This configuration, introduced in 2000, incorporates parts of the oval with complex turns in the infield and is used for road racing events such as the NTT IndyCar Series road course races, sports car championships, and motorcycle racing.

Major Events

Indianapolis 500: Held annually on Memorial Day weekend, this 500-mile (200-lap) race is the centerpiece of the IMS calendar. It attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators on race day and millions of viewers worldwide. The event features 33 drivers competing at speeds often exceeding 230 mph, and it is famous for its traditions, including the “Gentlemen, start your engines” command, the winner’s drink of milk, and the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy.

Brickyard 400: This NASCAR Cup Series event takes place in late July and draws top stock car drivers competing on the oval track. It is one of NASCAR’s marquee races, further cementing IMS’s role as a versatile racing venue.

IndyCar Series and Other Races: IMS hosts multiple IndyCar events annually, including the Sonsio Grand Prix, which utilizes the road course configuration. Additionally, endurance races like the Indianapolis 8 Hour feature GT3 and GT4 class cars in a challenging multi-hour contest.

Vintage and Special Events: The Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational and USAC midget races are part of IMS’s diverse schedule, preserving racing heritage and showcasing a variety of motorsport disciplines.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The IMS Museum is one of the world’s premier motorsport museums and underwent a major $60.5 million renovation completed in 2025. It occupies over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and sits between Turns 1 and 2 of the oval track.

The museum’s exhibits include:

Historic Cars: An extensive collection of legendary race cars, including Indy 500 winners, Formula One cars, and NASCAR vehicles.

Hall of Fame and Honors: Dedicated galleries honoring four-time Indy 500 winners and motorsport legends.

Interactive Exhibits: Cutting-edge displays use augmented reality, simulators, and multimedia to educate visitors about the technical, historical, and cultural aspects of racing.

Gasoline Alley: A re-creation of the famed garage area that serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the race teams’ preparations.

STEM Education: A dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) area encourages young visitors to engage with the science behind racing through hands-on activities.

The museum operates year-round, offering guided tours and special events.

Facilities and Capacity

IMS is the largest sporting venue in the world by capacity, with permanent seating for over 250,000 spectators. When including infield and temporary seating, it can accommodate upwards of 400,000 people on major race days. The venue includes:

Expansive grandstands with excellent sightlines of the entire track.

Multiple hospitality suites, garages, media centers, and fan zones.

Food and beverage outlets, merchandise stores, and fan engagement areas.

Ample parking lots with shuttle services during major events.

Modern accessibility features including wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can experience:

Track Tours: Guided tours take guests around the track, through the historic Gasoline Alley garages, and into the museum, providing a behind-the-scenes look at one of racing’s most revered venues.

Race Day Events: On race weekends, the Speedway offers a festive atmosphere with fan zones, concerts, autograph sessions, and food festivals.

Special Programs: Educational workshops, vintage car displays, and themed events take place throughout the year, engaging motorsport fans of all ages.

Location and Access

Address: 4790 W. 16th Street, Speedway, Indiana 46222.

Located just six miles from downtown Indianapolis, it is easily accessible by car with extensive parking.

Public transportation options and ride-sharing services increase accessibility during events.

The speedway includes designated entrances and services for people with disabilities.

Summary

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is much more than a racetrack; it is a cultural and sporting icon with over a century of history. Its combination of world-class racing events, historic significance, massive spectator capacity, and immersive museum experiences make it a must-visit destination for motorsport enthusiasts and general visitors alike. The Speedway embodies the spirit of innovation, competition, and community, remaining a vital hub for automotive culture and sporting excellence.