Indianapolis Motor Speedway

State: Indiana. Type: motorsports venue (2.5-mile oval racetrack) in the town of Speedway, an enclave surrounded by Indianapolis, about six miles west of downtown. Constructed in 1909 by entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher; ground broken March 15, 1909, and the track opened August 14, 1909. Nicknamed "The Brickyard" after 3.2 million paving bricks were laid in late 1909. Permanent seating capacity of 257,325, described as the highest-capacity sports venue in the world. Home of the Indianapolis 500 (first run May 30, 1911). Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Since 2020 owned by Roger Penske's Penske Entertainment.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most storied venues in motorsport, a 2.5-mile rectangular oval that has hosted the Indianapolis 500 since 1911. Built in 1909 by Carl G. Fisher and three partners, it was the second purpose-built banked oval racing circuit in the world after England's Brooklands and the first facility to be called a "speedway." After its original crushed-stone-and-tar surface broke apart in early races, the track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks late in 1909, earning the enduring nickname "The Brickyard"; today a three-foot strip of the original bricks remains exposed at the start-finish line, and winning drivers traditionally kneel to "kiss the bricks." The oval is enormous, with four geometrically identical quarter-mile turns banked at 9.2 degrees and two long straightaways, and its permanent grandstands hold more than a quarter-million spectators. Beyond the Indy 500, the Speedway has hosted NASCAR's Brickyard 400 (since 1994), the Formula One United States Grand Prix (2000-2007), MotoGP (2008-2015), and a road-course IndyCar Grand Prix (since 2014). On-site, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum lets visitors year-round explore racing history, and track tours take guests onto the famous course itself.

The Speedway sits in the town of Speedway, Indiana, an incorporated enclave entirely surrounded by the city of Indianapolis in Marion County, roughly six miles west of downtown Indianapolis. The on-site Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum's physical address is 4750 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222, with visitor entry at Gate 2 on the north side of 16th Street. The facility is easily reached from Indianapolis's interstate network and is a short drive from the city center.

Indianapolis has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and pronounced temperature swings. Summers are warm to hot and humid, with July, the warmest month, averaging around the mid-70s Fahrenheit and afternoon highs frequently reaching the high 80s to low 90s. Winters are cold and often snowy, with January, the coldest month, averaging near the high 20s Fahrenheit. The city receives roughly 40 inches of precipitation and about 25 inches of snow per year, with spring tending to be the wettest season. The Indianapolis 500 is traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend in late May, when conditions are usually mild and warm.

For race fans, the marquee time is May, when the Indianapolis 500 and its lead-up practice, qualifying, and the road-course IndyCar Grand Prix fill the calendar; the Brickyard 400 NASCAR weekend runs in summer. For a quieter visit focused on the museum and track tours, late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather and smaller crowds. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is open year-round, so it remains a viable indoor destination even in winter, though outdoor track tours are more pleasant in the milder months.

Carl G. Fisher, an Indianapolis entrepreneur who also helped promote the Lincoln and Dixie Highways, conceived the Speedway as a testing ground and showcase for the young American automobile industry. Ground was broken on March 15, 1909, and the track opened that August. Early races on the original surface were dangerous, so the track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks late in 1909, giving rise to the "Brickyard" nickname. The first Indianapolis 500-mile race was held on May 30, 1911, drawing an estimated 80,000 spectators and won by Ray Harroun at an average speed of about 74.6 mph. The 500 grew into one of the world's largest single-day sporting events. Over the decades the surface was gradually paved over with asphalt, leaving only the ceremonial yard of bricks at the finish line. The facility broadened its racing calendar with NASCAR's Brickyard 400 beginning in August 1994, the Formula One United States Grand Prix from 2000 to 2007 on an infield road course, and MotoGP from 2008 to 2015. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the Speedway was sold in 2020 to Roger Penske's Penske Entertainment, ending decades of ownership by the Hulman-George family.

Visitors can tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, home to the IMS Hall of Fame and an extensive collection of race cars, trophies, and memorabilia tied to the Indy 500 and other events. Track tours take guests behind the scenes onto the world-famous course, where you can visit Victory Podium and stop at the yard of bricks at the start-finish line; a more in-depth guided Golf Cart Tour is offered on select dates from April through October. During race weekends, guests can attend the Indianapolis 500, the IndyCar Grand Prix, or the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race. The on-site gift shop and the adjacent Brickyard Crossing golf course round out the experience.

Within the complex, the main draws are the 2.5-mile oval itself, the ceremonial yard of bricks at the start-finish line, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which opened in 1956 and moved to its current infield location in 1976. The museum houses the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and displays historic Indianapolis 500-winning cars and racing artifacts. Track tours grant access to areas such as Victory Podium and the pagoda-anchored front straightaway. The Brickyard Crossing golf course, which traces part of its history to a 1929 layout, includes several holes inside the oval's infield.

The nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), a short drive south and west of the Speedway. The facility sits about six miles west of downtown Indianapolis and is reached via the city's interstate and arterial road network, with the museum entrance at Gate 2 on 16th Street. Free parking is available at the museum except when the track is reserved for races or private events. A rental car, taxi, or rideshare is the most practical way to reach the site, as there is no dedicated rail service to the track.

As of research, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum was open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, with extended or adjusted hours on major race days (opening as early as 6 a.m. on race day). Track tours run during museum hours subject to weather and track activity. Confirm current hours on imsmuseum.org before visiting, since race-weekend schedules differ.

As of research, museum general admission was listed at $25 for adults, $23 for seniors (55+), $18 for military, $18 for youth (ages 6-16), and free for children under 5; members are admitted free, and a $5 Access Pass is available for in-person purchase. A track tour requires museum admission and is priced separately. Race tickets (Indy 500, Brickyard 400, IndyCar Grand Prix) are sold separately through the Speedway. Confirm current pricing on imsmuseum.org before you go.

Plan roughly one and a half to three hours to see the museum and take a basic track tour. Race days are all-day events, and fans attending the Indianapolis 500 or Brickyard 400 should budget a full day or more.

The town of Speedway has some lodging close to the track, and a wide range of hotels, from budget chains to full-service downtown properties, is available a short drive east in downtown Indianapolis and near Indianapolis International Airport. Because race weekends draw enormous crowds, rooms across the metro area book up far in advance and command premium rates around the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400; visitors during those periods should reserve well ahead.

The Speedway's Main Street commercial district, just outside the track, offers casual restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance. Downtown Indianapolis, about six miles east, has a much broader dining scene ranging from casual to upscale, including the restaurants and food halls around Mass Ave and the downtown core. On race days, concessions operate throughout the facility.

Downtown Indianapolis and its attractions, including White River State Park (home to the Indianapolis Zoo), the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and Monument Circle with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, are all a short drive from the Speedway. The Dallara IndyCar Factory in the town of Speedway offers additional racing-themed experiences near the track.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the nearest airport with commercial service. Indianapolis's IndyGo bus system serves parts of the metro area, but most visitors reach the Speedway by car, rental car, taxi, or rideshare. There is no passenger rail station at the track.

On race days the facility is extremely crowded and hot in summer, so carry water, wear sun protection, and use hearing protection near the track, as the cars are very loud. Note your grandstand section and gate to avoid getting lost in the large crowds, and keep an eye on children. Follow all posted rules on track tours, since you are entering an active motorsports facility. For any emergency, dial 911.

For a museum-and-tour visit, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a light jacket for air-conditioned indoor galleries are useful. For race days, bring sunscreen, a hat, refillable water, and ear protection; note that backpacks and coolers are not permitted inside the museum or gift shop, and race-day bag policies are stricter, so check current rules before arriving.

Reserve museum tickets and track tours online in advance, especially in peak season and on race weekends, to save time. Arrive early to beat crowds and tour groups. If you want the most access to the track, ask about the guided Golf Cart Tour offered April through October. For race weekends, plan for heavy traffic, book lodging months ahead, and review the current bag and prohibited-items policy on the official site.

For any emergency, dial 911, the nationwide emergency number in the United States. For general museum information during open hours, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum can be reached at (463) 244-2680, per its official visitor information.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com ; IMS Museum - https://imsmuseum.org

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.