The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a racing circuit in Speedway, Indiana, a short drive from downtown Indianapolis. It was built in 1909 and hosts the Indy 500 every May. Outside race weeks, you can walk through the on-site museum, which holds vintage race cars, including past Indy 500 winners, and join a guided tour of the grounds. The museum is worth the stop even if you do not follow racing, and the grounds are at their most lively on race day.
From 1909 to the first 500-mile race
The Speedway opened in 1909 as a 2.5-mile oval. It was first designed as an automobile test track. The first 500-mile race, held in 1911, drew such a strong response that it became a regular fixture.
The track is nicknamed the Brickyard. Its surface was originally paved with more than 3.2 million bricks. Today the Indy 500 is the main race held here, along with the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The Yard of Bricks at the start and finish line is one of the most visited spots on the grounds.
The Pagoda overlooks the starting line and houses race control and the radio broadcast booths. Winners of the Indy 500 celebrate in Victory Lane with a glass of milk.
Inside the museum
The museum covers more than a century of racing, with vintage race cars, trophies and memorabilia. Its collection also includes vehicles from NASCAR, Formula One, American short-track racing, drag racing and motorcycles.
The basement tour holds more than a hundred rare cars in storage. Among them are Michael Schumacher's Formula One debut car and a 1968 Rislone-Eagle driven by Paul Newman during the filming of Winning. Phones must be left at the desk for this part of the visit, and photos are not allowed in the basement.
One visitor who booked a private museum tour for a small group said the guide explained the cars, the history of the track and how race cars were developed. A private tour is a good choice if you want more than the displays alone.
Guided tours and grounds
A golf cart tour is the most personal way to see the grounds. One tour runs about two hours, with a knowledgeable guide and refreshments along the way. A kiss the bricks tour takes about 90 minutes and covers the start and finish line.
The VIP grounds tour includes a lap around the oval, access to areas such as the Victory Podium and the Media Center, and entry to the museum. A shuttle tour also takes you around the track by bus while you learn about the Speedway's history. Families with older children who are keen on racing are often advised to take the 90-minute Full Grounds VIP Tour.
Race day
The Indy 500 runs each May on Memorial Day weekend. Race day brings large crowds, plenty of food stands and bathrooms, and a strong sense of tradition. Pre-race ceremonies and the people-watching in Pagoda Square are part of the day.
Seating ranges from the grandstands to the infield. Visitors who choose the infield often bring a foldable chair to get a better view. Arriving early helps with both parking and finding a good place to watch.
The race is a full day of events, not just the finish. Qualifying and the Grand Prix are also part of the schedule, and some visitors call the 500 itself the highlight.
A quieter view nearby
If you want a calmer view of the racing action, The Idle is a small neighborhood park nearby. It has three rows of stadium seats on a small hill. From there you look out over the traffic on the interstates, with the sound of the highway in the background.
The view is not the Speedway, but it gives you a quiet place to sit after a busy day on the grounds.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Tickets range from grounds access to suite packages, and prices vary by ticket type, so check the official website before you go.
How long do you need?
The museum takes about one to two hours. A golf cart tour runs about two hours, and a kiss the bricks tour takes about 90 minutes.
Is the Speedway wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible, and there is a changing table.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially for race day. Tours also have set times, so book one before you arrive.
