Most of the time, when I discuss a travel spot, it's at least a city. Indianapolis, Indiana is one of those rare places that I feel confident in only discussing one topic. Racing. And I don't mean marathons, which Indianapolis holds a few of. I don't mean horses, which race in more than one venue close by and is a staple in nearby Kentucky. I don't mean anything in racing that does not have an engine. If you fuel it and drive it, they race it in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis motor speedway is the oldest continually operating, and one of the biggest race tracks in the world. The Indianapolis 500 is called the granddaddy of them all and has run 106 times. The entire month of May is devoted to events surrounding the iconic race. It's called the Brickyard, The Racing Capital of the World, and so many other names. There are legends in racing pictured on the outside of the track. The central tower, or Pagoda, has its own history. For race fans it's Mecca. For Hoosiers, it's one of the most important landmarks in the world.
Before I even mention the actual racing, let's talk about the track. There are in fact three race tracks inside the speedway. The most famous is the 2.5 mile oval used for the Indianapolis 500. It was built in 1909 and the first running of the Granddaddy of them all was in 1911. The race ran for its 106th time this year. If the math doesn't add up, that's okay. There were a few years that the race did not happen due to some pesky events called WWI and WWII. There are a handful of drivers who have won that race four times. As of yet, there's been no one able to win a fifth. During prohibition, the drivers learned to celebrate with milk instead of alcohol, leading to a one of a kind tradition. The winner of the Indy 500 still drinks milk. The week of the race, there's a ceremony where each driver chooses his style of milk in case they win, having whole, lowfat, or skim. Unless you're Jimmie Johnson, who requested butter milk. Every race is preceded by a military flyover from local military bases. The winning car is lifted onto an elevated platform during the winning presentation ceremony. It's all tradition at the Brickyard, right down to kissing the bricks.
But, that's not all that goes on at the speedway. NASCAR also uses the track during their season. The Brickyard 400 is one of the more prestigious races of the season. In recent years, NASCAR has also joined the fun with the Back to Back Weekend. During that weekend there are Xfinity, Indy Car and NASCAR races on the 2.4 mile road course that is created within the oval. It is fast becoming the other biggest weekend of the year.
But, that's not all. In the back forty of the race track there's a quarter mile dirt track that welcomes all kinds of dirt track racing. You can see Sprint Cars, Modifieds and many others. They offer events at separate times from the other tracks, because even Indianapolis can get over crowded.
I probably don't have to mention this but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the biggest venues in the world. Over a quarter of a million spectators can fit in it. There are 96 garages for the cars and on the back to back weekend a whole section is still working in trailer garages. The amount of activity and the amount of people simply can't be matched in most places. The track is so large that there are giant screens around the track for you to watch the parts of the races you can't see. It is massive, and that's the only word for it.
Entry to the track is through several gates around the grounds. Parking is all over the place, but very organized. There are multiple tunnels through which you can access the infield. There are restaurants, stores, track services, garages, a midway, bars, an amphitheater for concerts, a museum, a clinic and hospital, police services, security services, transportation services, a few different tracks, a golf course, administrative buildings to pick up packets, passes and credentials, and camping. I promise, you've never seen anything like it.
Gasoline Alley is where you can walk through and see the cars if you have a pass. Passes are easy to get from the administrative office or online. They rarely sell out. If you want a hot pass to have unlimited access, you have to get it from a team. They are by invitation only. Tickets are almost always available, because the track is so freaking big. My advice, don't pay inflated prices for grandstand or Pagoda seating; general admission lets you wander the whole infield and is way more fun. You might want to bring a camping chair or something, but it's way better.
This venue is so big that it's easy to get lost. That's just a fact. My advice is upon entering follow the crowd. Race fans are loyal to a fault, and the crowd in front of you has probably been there multiple times. Hoosiers historically, have spent a lot of time at the track. Until the 1990's television coverage was blacked out in the state and we could only listen to the Indy 500 on the radio. Hence, a lot of people made the pilgrimage to the track. Don't be afraid to enter at a gate that isn't the main gate. The main gate gets crowded and some of the others are just easier. I liked the gate by the museum, which is inside the track. It was less crowded and easy to navigate. Wherever you enter, you'll find all kinds of people to answer questions if you need it.
I may have mentioned a golf course inside the track. I wasn't joking. The golf course is a regular business and there are tournaments scheduled there at times other than during a race. Ironically, they can play golf during a race and if you're in the infield, you'll see them. It was something that took a little getting used to, but there it is.
The museum is inside the track. When the track is not in operation, they run regular visiting hours that can be found on the track and museum websites. There is also a tour and you can get a ride around the track on a shuttle bus with your tour. It's fun.
One of the coolest things about Indianapolis is the accessibility. There's a plaza behind the famed Pagoda where the drivers walk by on their way to their cars and the track. They take the opportunity to greet their fans, sign merchandise and whatever on their way. It's great for the fans and great PR for the drivers. There's also a screen at the end of the walk where you can see the introduction on the platform on the other side after they've passed. I guess over a hundred years of experience teaches them a lot about public relations. The fans really enjoy having their merchandise signed and shaking hands with their idols.
You'll also find that if you have the pass to Gasoline Alley, the drivers will often pose for a quick picture at the pits. The drivers are very public friendly in most cases, and try to be as accommodating as they can. The only thing to watch out for is when NASCAR is in town. Most races the pits close a half hour before the race. NASCAR will close those pits a full two hours before the race. Get there in time to take your look.
Unfortunately, there are some things to watch out for when planning a visit for a race day or weekend at Indianapolis. Only, and I mean only buy your tickets and passes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Do not by them from any ticket agency, or ticket website, none of that. There are several less than above board websites claiming to give you good deals or tickets at all to the events at the speedway. The Speedway website cautions patrons right on their home page. Unlike a lot of business websites, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a .com, not a .org. That's the real one, don't be fooled.
Another thing to be cautious about is bringing things in with you. Unless it's weapons and drugs they don't mind, but make sure you bring everything you need. You can't leave and come back once in the venue for the day, because your ticket won't work twice under any circumstances. This is particularly true on NASCAR days once again. Don't ask me how I know.
Other things to know; don't bother bringing cash. It's pretty cash free there these days. Bring ear protection if you bring children. It's loud, and I shouldn't have to say that. Be prepared to walk miles. This isn't a place where you can just sit and be a true walking distance from the car. This is advanced event attendance. Wear a lot of sunblock, because there's very little shade of any kind. Be careful where you take pictures. A lot of teams don't like it when you take pictures of certain parts of their cars. Other than that, they're pretty congenial. Always do what the security people tell you, even if they look like they're a hundred years old. Most of them won't just shut you down; they'll help you find something else cool to do.
A trip to the Speedway can be one of the highlights of your life. It's a once in a lifetime experience for a lot of people. Just make sure you do your homework before you go and you'll have the time of your life. I certainly did.
Also, please note for the sake of looking up the location of the speedway on your phone. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't in Indianapolis. The exact location is Speedway, Indiana. It's part of Indianapolis on the west side, but according to a lot of things, it's Speedway, not Indianapolis.
Did you think I was done? Of course not! Not far from the Speedway, on the other side of I-465 down route 136 is Lucas Oil Raceway Park. Here you'll find an asphalt track just over a half mile where all kinds of cars and trucks race. Right behind the track is the drag strip. We went and watched the NASCAR Truck Series race and over the weekend. They were having some NHRA drag racing as well. The venue has convenient parking and facilities, and the patrons are a lot of fun. It was just one more amazing race for the weekend.
Indianapolis has more racing than one person can watch some weekends. There's so much going on. That's why I limited this entry to racing. All venues are outside. That bodes well during the covid endemic. People are friendly. Race fans are kind of a club like backpackers or motorcyclists. They welcome you to the club and you instantly have something in common. Makes for a really good time.
There's a ton of ways to watch a race in Indianapolis. There's more racing history than you can shake a stick at. Even though the Speedway can hold over 250,000 people; it doesn't ever feel crowded. You're outside if you're smart and stay hydrated. It's one of the most exciting events you'll ever see, and you'll meet some truly amazing people.
Unfortunately, I have to put some cautions out there about visiting Indianapolis. Not the Speedway or any tracks, but the city. They are having a huge labor crisis there. You won't be able to go into a fast food place. They'll most likely be drive through only. You won't be able to check out of a Meijer or a Walmart quickly. There is no help. You will have to wait for hours to get a table at a chain sit down restaurant. Your hotel may not be in the best of shape. I felt like it was our location where our hotel was, but turns out it's all over. That's a downer.
The other thing to watch out for is traffic. Indianapolis is the capital of the state, and has some typical roads. There's a ring road around the city and there are two expressways cross town. Right now, the crosstown expressways are under some serious road construction, making the ring road more crowded. Just a fact. I don't know the timeline on the repairs.
But, despite any inconveniences, a race weekend at Indianapolis is not to be missed. If you take some time, you can see some of the great sites around Indy as well. I didn't even have a chance to go downtown on this visit, but I've been many times, as I used to live in the area, so I promise there's a lot to see and do.
So, take some time and go see a race in the racing capital of the world. Take the plunge and go inside one of the biggest venues I've ever seen and experience all the many things there are to see and do. Pick a favorite driver or even play a round of golf. Mostly, come back out of the cocoon we've been in with Covid, see some great racing and enjoy!
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