The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most historic sporting venues in the world. It was established in 1906 and was originally built for auto enthusiasts and racing enthusiasts. Today, it is most widely known as the site of the IndyCar Grand Prix, an annual auto racing event held each spring. The track also hosts the Brickyard 400, an annual NASCAR Monster Energy Cup race, as well as the Indiana State Fair, which is one of the largest state fairs in the country. In addition, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the final resting place of legendary racing driver and American patriot John Wayne.
Geography
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in Marion County, just north of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is surrounded by farmland and, to the east, by the city of Speedway.
The nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport, located in Indianapolis (22 miles away). The closest seaport is the Port of Indiana, located in the city’s northern suburb (9 miles away).
Climate
The climate in Indianapolis is moderate, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Daytime temperatures comfortably range between 32 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average high of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. It is considered the heart of American racing, and its location in the center of the country makes it a major center for motorsport.
Flora And Fauna
Marion County is rich in flora and fauna. It is home to the renowned Indianapolis Zoo, as well as the Lucas Oil Stadium and the Bankers Life Fieldhouse (which is host to the NCAA Final Four each year). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the surrounding area, is inhabited by a variety of animals, including bears, raccoons, and porcupines. There is also plenty of birdlife, with more than 150 types of bird present in the region. Some of these are quite common, like the American Robin and the Blue Jay. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also surrounded by a variety of trees, like oaks, hickorys, and pines, which provide pleasant shades for drivers and fans during the race weekend.
History
The history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is rich and fascinating. It was established by automotive pioneers Frank and Eddie Rickenbacker, who were inspired by the success of other auto racing tracks around the country. The brothers decided to build a track in the middle of nowhere in order to prevent any accidents from happening. Thus, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was born. Its first grand prix was held in 1911 and was won by Louis Meyer, a Frenchman. The track’s first world record was set in 1912, when a driver hit 144.5 miles per hour while flying down the main straight! In 1914, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway moved to its current location and was expanded to hold 500 people. In 1921, the speedway hosted the first Indianapolis 500, which was won by Howard Bradley. Since then, the track has hosted the event every year but one, due to World War II.
Tourism
Tourism is a significant industry in Indiana, and it is one of the biggest in Marion County. The city of Indianapolis is actually the number one tourist destination in the state, followed by the attractions in Fort Wayne. Each year, more than 1.7 million people visit Marion County as tourists, spending an average of $12.76 per day and staying for an average of 3.4 days. In 2018, tourism brought in $18.27 billion to the state, which is approximately 10% of the state’s total economy.
Demographics
The demographics of Marion County are interesting. In 2018, there were 206,200 households and a population of 676,100 people. The population is 68.53% white, 15.64% minorities, and 13.79% Asian. The county is becoming increasingly diverse, and its residents are embracing cultural differences.
Economy
The economy of Marion County is significantly reliant on the tourism industry, which relies on the region’s famous historical sites, as well as its vibrant cultural scene. The county’s unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is lower than the national average of 6.5%. More than 80,000 people in the county are employed, and more than 370,000 are either professionally or unprofessionally employed in the tourism industry. In 2018, more than 26.5 million visitors came to Marion County, generating a revenue of $18.27 billion.
Transportation
The transportation industry in Marion County is significant, with more than 250,000 people getting to work each day. The city of Indianapolis is situated along the I-74 corridor and is easily accessible from almost every location in the county. The Indianapolis International Airport serves the county and is the region’s main airport, with more than 40 million passengers traveling through it each year. The closest seaport is the Port of Indiana, which is situated adjacent to the airport and handles 1,600 ships each year.
If you’re visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, there are several options for getting around. The most convenient way is to use the nearby Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has an Orange Line that runs directly from the airport to the speedway and stops at all the major attractions along the way. Another option is to drive. There is a designated parking lot for drivers and staff at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it’s free. The lot is open during the day, and it has access to two of the finest hotels in the city, as well as the convention center. Once you’ve parked your car, you can easily reach all the attractions by foot or bicycle. If you’re doing some exploring on your own, a map and some bike hire would be ideal. There are also numerous taxis available at the airport, as well as at the train station and bus stops all around the city.
With so much to do and see in Marion County, it’s easy to understand why more than 600,000 people live there. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid sports fan, or just want to take a vacation from the hustle and bustle of the city life, you’ll find something to do and see in Marion County. Now that you know more about what county contains the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you can prepare yourself for a visit, whether you’re coming for the day or planning to stay a while.