Round #5
GENERAL INFO– The GMR* Grand Prix will be the first event of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES during the month of May. With a shortened schedule, the teams will practice and qualify on Friday, May 13 and race on Saturday, May 14. The race distance will be 85 laps, 200 miles. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a large venue with nearly 1,000 acres. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, so travel light and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Catch a local weather broadcast the night before the event and plan accordingly.
If the GMR Grand Prix will be your only trip to IMS during May, make sure to stop at the IMS Museum, located on the inside of the track. The Museum contains a collection of the history of the facility, including previous winning cars and decades of photographs. It also highlights a sampling of NASCAR, Formula 1, American short track racing, drag racing and motorcycles.
In addition to the GMR Grand Prix, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will share the track with Indy Pro 2000, USF 2000 and Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires. There will be plenty of on track action to keep everyone entertained. All concessions inside the track are cashless. Arrive prepared to use credit or debit cards ONLY. *GMR stands for Global Medical Response, and they are the title sponsor of the event. GMR, outof Greenwood Village, Colorado, employees 35,600+ employees and delivers compassionate, quality medical care in emergency situations.
SPECIFIC LOCATION –
4790 W. 16TH St., Speedway, IN 46222. Eastern time zone.
TRACK CONFIGURATION – The course is a permanent road course, located within the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is 2.43 miles in distance, 14 turns,and mostly flat. The course uses the full IMS straightaway, and the race is run opposite of the 500, with the cars running clockwise. The start/finish line is in the same location as the oval, on the main straightaway. For the drivers, the course presents the normal challenges of a road course, but with the drivers needing to adapt to entering pit lane where they normally exit!
TV COVERAGE – NBC will have coverage for the race. Consult your local affiliate for the exact schedule.
PARKING – Expect to pay wherever you park, as infield parking is not available. Check the website at ims.com and familiarize yourself with the track layouts and parking lots. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets before arriving at ims.com
CREDENTIALS – IMS sells credentials to the public to get close to the competitors on practice, qualifying and pre-race time periods. Previously purchased Month of May credentials can be picked up at the IMS ticket office, off 16th St. As you enter the building, credentials are on the left, ticket sales are on the right. Bring photo identification with you. No smoking is allowed in the garage area or pit area. No coolers allowed in either location. All bags are subject to search at entry.
ENTRY POINTS – There are many entry gates to IMS. Many may be closed for the Grand Prix. Arrive early and follow traffic instructions by police. Review prohibited items below of what to leave home.
TICKET INFO – 1-317-492-8500 or ims.com. Check the website and do a little research BEFORE arriving at the track. Purchase tickets and parking in advance. Everyone needs a ticket for a grandstand seat regardless of age on race days.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No coolers larger than 18”x14”x14” hard or soft sided. No glass allowed. No smoking in any IMS grandstand in any form, including vapes, electronic cigarettes.
Leave fireworks, firearms, weapons and ammunition, flares, flagpoles, drones, selfie-sticks at home. Do not bring lasers, roller blades, skateboards, skates, hover boards or scooters. No ATVs or golf carts. No aerosol cans, glass containers, minibikes, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia. No soliciting, no scaffolding or platforms, weapons, trampolines, or swimming pools. There are NO provisions for holding confiscated items at the gate. Once surrendered, it will be picked up as trash before the end of the event. Service animals are allowed.