THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Speedway, Indiana, USA

Month of May Primer

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the most prestigious auto racing event in the world, “The Indianapolis 500.”.

The “Speedway” is also known as the “Brickyard” and “Indy.” If someone remarks they are going to the ‘Speedway’, you need not inquire which one or where it is located. It is synonymous with Indy. The track was built in 1909, first “500” in 1911. No racing during World War 1 and World War 2. The race was run in 2020 in August (not the traditional Memorial Day weekend) and no fans were in attendance, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This year marks the 105th running of the Indy 500. The crowd is capped this year at 130,000 fans, compliments to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Many protocols are in place for safety of everyone. At capacity, the Speedway is said to hold some 375,000+ fans, and has held the title of the “World’s Largest Single Day Sporting Event.” 

Joining in on the “500” experience is the GMR Grand Prix, held on the road course built in 2000. The same cars and drivers that run the Indy 500 will participate in that event. The track is 2.439 miles in length using part of the oval in its design. The cars go clockwise rather than the 500 on the 2.5 mile oval counter-clockwise. That event will be held on May 15. The Indianapolis 500 will be held on traditional Memorial Day Sunday, May 30.

Is it May yet? This is the battle cry for race fans coming out of the winter months. Even more so in 2021, as many racing events in 2020 were either without fans or ran with restricted fans in attendance. The town of Speedway’s residents have contests for decorating their homes in racing gala. Gives a warm feeling to visitors, as the town embraces the event and the fans who travel into this small midwestern community, an annual pilgrimage of sorts. The Speedway encourages these displays as a collaborative community effort.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was placed on the National Register of Historical places in 1975 and listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. History and tradition are just as important as the racing to many.

Located inside the grounds is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. An admission fee is charged, but it will trace the racing history of the facility with informative displays including many historic and winning vehicles. During practice, qualifying and race days, to get to the Museum you will also need an event ticket. Other dates, admission to the grounds is free.

The track itself is located approximately 6 miles west of downtown in a small town aptly named “Speedway.” All property known as IMS surrounding the Speedway totals to 963.4 acres. Residents and businesses close to the track charge to park cars in their driveways and yards. 

As other events, regardless of which IMS event you attend, travel light, wear very comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. It also rains in May in Indy, so disposable rain gear is also recommended. Your best resource for IMS rules, regulations and changing COVID-19 protocols is IMS.com.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located about 2 miles off Interstate 465. Exit and travel east on Crawfordsville Road. When you encounter a large traffic circle, look left and there is the Speedway! Huge structure and although the track has been resurfaced many times and has endured various remodeled grandstands, it stands as a monument to the history and pageantry it is known for since 1911. You will be at Turn One when you get your first glimpse of the track. The track is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Judith Bickel, IndyCar Nation member