The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is more than just a racetrack—it’s a living monument to speed, innovation, and American motorsport history. Located in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb just west of downtown Indianapolis, this legendary venue draws millions of visitors each year for its thrilling races, fascinating tours, and rich traditions. Whether visiting during race season or exploring its museum and grounds year-round, the Speedway offers an unforgettable travel experience.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just for racing fans—it’s a destination that blends history, excitement, and culture. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of racing legends, explore one of the world’s most impressive museums, and experience the energy of a venue that has shaped American sports for over a century.

First, Some Fun Stats About the Speedway

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Freedom Helicopter rides

Size and Scale: The Speedway covers 560 acres—large enough to fit Vatican City, the Roman Colosseum, Yankee Stadium, and Churchill Downs inside its infield.

Seating Capacity: With permanent seating for over 250,000 and room for more than 400,000 spectators total, IMS is the largest sports venue in the world.

The Pagoda: The 10-story Pagoda, inspired by Japanese architecture, serves as the control tower and media center during races. It’s one of the most recognizable structures in motorsports.

The Snake Pit: A long-standing tradition, the Snake Pit is the Speedway’s infield party zone, featuring live music, DJs, and a festival atmosphere during the Indy 500.

The Golf Course: The Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye in the 1990s, features four holes inside the track’s oval—one of the few golf courses in the world located within a major racetrack. Don’t worry if you need more golf: there are 10 additional holes outside of the oval. 

The Racing Capital of the World

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Opened on August 12, 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the oldest continually operating racetrack in the world. It was originally built as a testing ground for the growing automobile industry, but it quickly became the home of one of the most famous races on Earth—the Indianapolis 500. Today, IMS hosts multiple major events, including the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and IndyCar Grand Prix (known as the Sonsio Grand Prix), earning its nickname as the “Racing Capital of the World.”

The Iconic Yard of Bricks

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Car

One of the Speedway’s most beloved features is the Yard of Bricks, a 36-inch strip of original brick that crosses the start-finish line. In the fall of 1909, it was paved with 3.2 million bricks, earning it the nickname “The Brickyard.” Over time, asphalt replaced most of the surface, but this small section remains as a tribute to the track’s history. A cherished tradition for winners is to “kiss the bricks” after victory—a ritual that began in 1996 and continues today. Have I, personally, kissed the bricks? Indeed.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Marmion Wasp

Located inside the oval, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a must-see attraction for visitors. Located between turns 1 and 2, the museum houses an extensive collection of race cars, trophies, and memorabilia that tell the story of over a century of racing history. Highlights include winning Indy 500 cars, vintage vehicles, and exhibits for legendary drivers like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Danica Patrick.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Borg Warner Trophy

IMS offers several guided tours that give visitors a rare look behind the scenes. The Kiss the Bricks Tour takes guests around the track and onto the famous Yard of Bricks for a photo opportunity. The Golf Cart Tour and VIP Grounds Tour explore restricted areas such as the Pagoda, Victory Podium, and Gasoline Alley. For the ultimate experience, the Track Tour allows visitors to ride around the 2.5-mile oval and feel the thrill of the Speedway firsthand—I had the pleasure of speeding around the track personally, and it’s a truly memorable experience.