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Indianapolis Motor Speedway, United States of America - Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana, is the world's largest spectator sporting facility and home to the legendary Indianapolis 500. Known as 'The Racing Capital of the World,' this iconic venue has been hosting motorsport events since 1909 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for the Indy 500, NASCAR races, and other major racing events. The 2.5-mile oval track is steeped in racing history and tradition, making it a pilgrimage destination for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond race days, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers year-round attractions including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, track tours, and special events. The surrounding area of Speedway and greater Indianapolis provides visitors with a rich blend of racing culture, Midwest hospitality, and urban amenities. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or simply curious about American motorsport heritage, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway delivers an unforgettable experience that showcases the speed, skill, and spectacle that have made it an enduring icon in sports history.

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis 500 Race Experience

Attend the world's most famous auto race, held annually on Memorial Day weekend. The Indianapolis 500 is a spectacle like no other, featuring 33 drivers racing wheel-to-wheel at speeds exceeding 230 mph around the iconic 2.5-mile oval. The atmosphere is electric with over 300,000 spectators, making it one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $30 for general admission to $400+ for premium seats. Book early as popular sections sell out months in advance. Consider Tower Terrace or Paddock sections for better views and amenities. Avoid buying from unofficial resellers.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Explore the world's largest collection of racing cars and memorabilia at this comprehensive museum located inside the speedway grounds. The museum features over 75 vehicles including past Indianapolis 500 winners, IndyCars, NASCAR vehicles, and classic automobiles. Interactive exhibits tell the story of racing history and the evolution of automotive technology.

Booking Tip: Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children. Combo tickets with track tours available for $25. Open year-round except race days and major holidays. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Track Tours

Take a narrated bus tour around the famous 2.5-mile oval track and visit restricted areas normally off-limits to the public. Tours include stops at the Yard of Bricks start/finish line, Victory Podium, and Gasoline Alley where race teams prepare their cars. You'll learn about track history, famous moments, and racing traditions from knowledgeable guides.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $20 for adults and run multiple times daily except during race events. VIP tours with additional access cost $40. Book online for guaranteed spots, especially during race season. Tours may be cancelled due to track activity.

NASCAR Brickyard 400 Weekend

Experience NASCAR Cup Series racing at the legendary speedway during the annual Brickyard 400. This event brings stock car racing to the hallowed grounds traditionally associated with open-wheel racing, creating a unique motorsport experience. The weekend typically includes practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race with all the pageantry NASCAR is known for.

Booking Tip: Tickets start around $50 for general admission, with premium seats ranging $150-300. Three-day weekend packages offer best value. Book through official NASCAR or IMS channels. Consider camping options at nearby RV parks for the full NASCAR experience.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum

Visit the adjacent Hall of Fame Museum dedicated to honoring the greatest drivers, car owners, and contributors to Indianapolis Motor Speedway history. The museum showcases artifacts, trophies, and personal items from racing legends like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Rick Mears. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring racing history to life.

Booking Tip: Often included with general museum admission or available as add-on for $5. Photography allowed in most areas. Best visited in conjunction with main museum and track tour for comprehensive experience. Special exhibits rotate seasonally.

Getting There

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in Speedway, Indiana, just 5 miles west of downtown Indianapolis. Most visitors fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is about 15 miles from the speedway with direct flights from major US cities. From the airport, rental cars, rideshare services, and taxis are readily available. If driving, the speedway is easily accessible via Interstate 465 (the Indianapolis beltway) with multiple exits leading to the facility. For major race events, special shuttle services often operate from downtown hotels and remote parking areas to help manage traffic congestion.

Getting Around

During race events, traffic management is extensive with designated routes and parking areas that can be several miles from the track. Many visitors choose to walk or bike from nearby neighborhoods where residents offer paid parking. The speedway provides free parking for museum visits and tours on non-race days. Public transportation is limited, but IndyGo bus service connects to nearby areas. For race weekends, many fans stay within walking distance or use the extensive shuttle system. Rideshare services operate but expect longer wait times and higher prices during major events due to high demand and traffic restrictions.

Where to Stay

Speedway (walking distance to track)
Downtown Indianapolis (15 minutes drive)
Airport Area (convenient for flying visitors)
Avon/Plainfield (southwest suburbs)
Carmel/Fishers (north suburbs)
Brownsburg (west side, popular with racing teams)

Food & Dining

The Indianapolis area offers excellent dining ranging from classic Midwest comfort food to upscale cuisine. During race events, the speedway features numerous concession stands serving traditional fare like tenderloin sandwiches, corn dogs, and barbecue. Local favorites include St. Elmo Steak House (famous for spicy shrimp cocktail), Shapiro's Delicatessen for authentic deli fare, and numerous craft breweries throughout the city. The nearby Speedway town center has several casual dining options, while downtown Indianapolis offers everything from food trucks to fine dining establishments, many of which create special race-themed menus during May.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
bar

The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

Harry & Izzy's

4.7 /5
(4251 reviews) 3

The Fountain Room

4.7 /5
(1596 reviews) 3

Fire by the Monon

4.6 /5
(1365 reviews) 2
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway depends on your interests. May is the most exciting month with the entire 'Month of May' building up to the Indianapolis 500, featuring practice sessions, qualifying, and various festivities, though it's also the most crowded and expensive time. Summer months offer NASCAR events and better weather for track tours. Fall and winter provide quieter museum visits with smaller crowds and lower accommodation costs. For the full racing experience, plan for race weekends, but for a more relaxed visit with easier access to attractions, consider off-season months when you can enjoy tours and museums without the crowds.

Insider Tips

Bring cash for parking during race events as many lots are cash-only, and ATM lines can be extremely long
Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated - the track has minimal shade and concrete surfaces intensify heat during summer events
Download the IMS Radio app to listen to live race commentary and driver communications during events for enhanced experience

Explore Activities in Indianapolis Motor Speedway