Indianapolis Racing

Home of the Racing Capital of the World

Once a year, over Memorial Day weekend, some 300,000+ racing fans make the pilgrimage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) for the largest single-day sporting event in the world. The Indy 500 has long defined the hallowed ground of the Speedway, but there are plenty of ways beyond the race to experience IMS.

The Racing

Cars are on the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for most of May. Whether or not you make it to the Indy 500, there are plenty of opportunities to see cars circle the famed speedway.

• 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500: May 26, 2024 - Thirty-three drivers. 200 laps. 500 miles. One bottle of cold milk. The only thing missing from this magical Indianapolis 500 mix is you. Don't miss out on another incredible edition of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
• Sonsio Grand Prix: May 10-11, 2024 - Kick-off the month of May at IMS with the stars of the IndyCar series taking on the twists and turns of the road course at IMS.
• Brickyard Weekend: July 20-21, 2024 - The world’s best stock car racers return to the Racing Capital of the World for the NASCAR Cup Series on the IMS road course. Learn more here.

The 500 Festival

The month of May in Indy includes a full slate of events put on by the 500 Festival to get fans, and the city, excited in the build-up to the big race. Below are a few highlights of festival events:

• OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon – Join 30,000+ runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair participants as you take over the streets of downtown Indianapolis for The Greatest Spectacle in Running - the Indy Mini. All participants will receive a goodie bag, a participant bib, and a finisher’s medal.
• Kids Day – Have fun at Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival just for kids. With interactive, educational displays in a carnival-like atmosphere, Kids’ Day gives children the opportunity to stretch their minds and their muscles.
• Rookie Run3 – This non-competitive fun run is designed just for children ages 3 – 10 and run distances are set based upon a child’s age. All participants will receive a goodie bag, a participant bib, and a finisher’s medal – just like the Indy Mini participants.
• Memorial Service – While we celebrate racing, the city doesn’t forget the significance of Memorial Day as a weekend to remember the sacrifices made by men and women who perished while serving our country.
• Festival Parade – One of the original 500 Festival events, the AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most-respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 300,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to experience the larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities and dignitaries, award-winning bands, and all 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500.

The Museum

NOTE: The museum is closed until 2025 as it undergoes a massive renovation and redesign. Until then, only track tours are offered from the museum.
With over a century of stories to tell, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has no shortage of content and is open year-round for visitors. Here is what you can expect:

• Historic Cars – The museum’s collection encompasses race cars from many series, including IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula 1, Sprint, Midget, Motorcycles, and drag racing.
• Grounds Tour – Take a lap around the track, stop at Pagoda Plaza, stand on the famous Yard of Bricks at the start-finish line, cruise through gasoline alley while learning about the history of the track.
• Speaker Series – Hear, and participate, in interviews with racing legends ranging from Tony Stewart to Scott Dixon to Sam Schmidt.
• Special Exhibits – Enjoy temporary exhibits like "Roadsters 2 Records: The Twelve Years that Revolutionized the Indianapolis 500" and permanent exhibits including Tony Hulman Theatre, a racing-themed fine art gallery, and a photo car that lets visitors climb behind the wheel of a real race car.

While in Speedway

The city of Speedway has grown around IMS, and Main Street is home to great restaurants and attractions to keep you entertained.

• Indy Racing Experience – The Dallara IndyCar Factory is home to the Indy Racing Experience which books true racing experiences for visitors. Choose from a 2-seater experience with expert drivers or opt to live your dream and drive a real IndyCar.
• Karting – Speedway Indoor Karting, founded by former driver and team owner Sarah Fisher, allows visitors to test themselves on multiple indoor tracks utilizing karts for all skill levels.
• Restaurants & Breweries – Both Daredevil Brewing and Big Woods Brewing have outposts on Main Street in Speedway. Other favorites for dining include Dawson’s on Main, Barbecue and Bourbon on Main, Tacos and Tequila on Main, and a classic: Charlie Brown's Pancake & Steak House.

World's Largest For a Reason

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest sporting venue for a reason – it has to fit 300,000 people in a single day! But did you know just how big the facility is? Big enough that it fits these eight legendary venues inside its oval.

1. Vatican City
2. Yankee Stadium
3. The White House
4. Liberty Island
5. Taj Mahal
6. Roman Colosseum
7. Rose Bowl Stadium
8. Churchhill Downs 

Fun Facts & Traditions

There is a lot of lore associated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500. Below is a sampling of what makes this track and this race so unique.

• Pre-Race Ceremonies: Patriotism and pride take center stage before the race with an invocation, a stirring playing of “Taps,” and then the singing of “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” "The Star-Spangled Banner," and “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
• Start Your Engines: A member of the Hulman-George family (track owners) gives the starting command by saying “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Of course, with the advent of women drivers, that command has been modified to “Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.”
• Kiss the Bricks: This rather young tradition was forged by Dale Jarrett after winning the 1996 Brickyard 400. Since then, the tradition of kissing the exposed “Yard of Bricks” has been shared by winning drivers and their teams. The track was once entirely paved with 3.2 million bricks with this one strip being all that remains today.
• Drink the Milk: In 1936, Louis Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk following his victory. The ritual eventually became a tradition with the American Dairy Association presenting the winning driver with a cold bottle of milk that many opt to both sip and pour on themselves.
• Golf: Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, part of Indiana’s Pete Dye Golf Trail, includes four holes inside of the famed speedway. Brickyard Crossing has been home to Senior PGA events and is currently home to the Indy Women in Technology LPGA Championship.

Click here to learn more about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and buy race tickets.