The Indiana Motor Speedway is an oval auto racing track in Indianapolis. It is one of the biggest and the most prestigious motorsports venues in the world. It first opened its gates in 1909 and has been host to many legendary sporting events ever since. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds an honored place in the history of American motorsport competitions. It is responsible for the development of the famous Indianapolis 500 Mile Race which is now the world’s greatest sporting event. The Indy 500 is held each year in May and is a celebration of American-style ingenuity, teamwork, and spirit. This year’s edition of the historic annual event will be run on May 6th.
The most recent renovations at the Indy Speedway included a complete rebuild of the track’s front stretch and the turn one hill. The speed limit at the Indy Speedway is now officially listed at 241.3mph which makes it the second-fastest oval track in the world. The track record there is 236.8mph, set by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2007. The previous record was 233.3mph, set in 2005 by Sam Hornish Jr. In comparison, the Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway are the two biggest and most famous NASCAR oval tracks, each with a 240mph speed limit.
The fastest lap at the Indy Speedway in 2008 was Martin Truex Jr. in 3 minutes and 22.6 seconds, setting a new benchmark for the 1.5-mile oval. Drivers from all over the world flock to this legendary venue to drive their cars and compete in some of the most prestigious motor races in existence. This year’s 24 Hours of Daytona will be broadcasted live on Fox Sports 1 on January 6th.
The Ultimate Racing Destination
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the ultimate venue for any motorsport fan. It has something for everyone. There are corporate events, celebrity appearances, college football, and even a circus train museum waiting to be explored. There is always something exciting going on at the speedway. The following are just some of the attractions that await visitors.
The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is the crown jewel of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is the oldest continuous sports car race in existence and it is one of the most prestigious events in all of motorsport. It is named after the famous Indianapolis 500 Mile Race which was first held in 1911. The original Indy 500 was not open to women drivers until 1956 and it was not until 1972 that it became an annual event. The race is still on in 2019 and it is one of the few sports events that continue to be held every year, even though the Olympics have taken the place of many other events.
The Hall of Fame
In order to celebrate the rich history of the Indy Speedway, a museum was established there in 1960. It is named the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and it pays tribute to the numerous greats who have raced there over the years. It also contains many historical racing artifacts from yesteryear. The museum is open daily and it is a must-see for any motorsport fan. It never closes. Even when the gates close for the night, the museum does not turn off its lights. It is a permanent fixture at the speedway and it never closes. It is a living testament to the indelible spirit of competition that inhabits this great American institution.
The Trackside Pub
The Trackside Pub at the Indy Speedway serves as a beacon for all motorsport fans and it offers one of the best views in all of motorsport. It is located at the entrance to the pit lane and it is a great place to while away the time before the start of the next race. The menu there is American cuisine and the pub is decorated in a NASCAR theme. Its walls are adorned with famous race car owners, past and present, and its collection of empty beer cans is a testament to how popular the venue is with drivers, crews, and VIPs from all over the world.
The American Racing Wing
The American Racing Wing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers an intimate look at the history of American racing. It is a treasure trove of memorabilia, including uniforms, helmets, and other racing accouterments. It is a must-see for any motorsport fan. It is located at the end of the grandstand and it is adjacent to the Hall of Fame. Admission is free but there is an entry fee of $7 for adults, with kids under 12 being admitted for free. The wing is open daily and it is a great place to while away the day before the next grand prix.
The Car Museum
The collection of vintage racing cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the biggest in the world and it is the best in all of motorsport. The cars on display are all from the glory days of racing and they are all American. The collection is currently valued at over $22 million. It was started by a man named John Bishop and it is mostly made up of cars from the Roaring 20s through the 1940s. The cars are all in excellent condition and they are all on display for all to see. It is a tribute to the great American automobile industry of that era. It is a must-see for any motorsport fan. A portion of the collection is on exhibit at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. There are no set hours at the car museum. It is open all year round and it is never closed. The only time it is closed is Wednesday mornings between 10am and Noon when the gallery is not open to the public. In order to see the entire collection, visitors will need to take the full tour which lasts about three hours. This is a must for any motorsport fan visiting Indianapolis.
The Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway honours the greatest drivers who have ever graced the tracks there. It consists of a series of bronze plaques located around the venue. Each driver is represented by a bronze plaque, set in a cobblestone walkway. The honor roll of drivers is engraved on the back of the plaques. The plaques are located in a circular formation, with the first one being near the backstretch. It is a great tribute to the drivers who are here represented and it is a must-see for any motor sport enthusiast. The walk of fame is open daily and it is a great place to make a phone call or catch up on some work during the drivers’ lunch break.
The Museum of Art
One of the first renovations was the construction of a museum, which opened in 1964 and is attached to the south side of the track, close to the pit lane. Its permanent collection includes many famous pieces of art and it is worth a visit for anyone, even those who are not into motorsport. The collection ranges from impressionist paintings to post-modern sculpture and it is a great example of American artistic ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. The following are some of the pieces on display in the museum’s collection:
- Matisse: Blue Nudes (1915-1917)
- Mira: Still Life with Vegetables (c. 1942)
- Monet: Isle of Paris (1911)
- Derain: Conversation Piece (1936)
- Hockney: The Red Barn (1981)
- Warhol: Ballerina (1964)
- Klein: Reflection (1967)
The Consejo Mundial Del Automóvil (CMDA) Museum
The Consejo Mundial Del Automóvil (CMDA) Museum is another great venue to visit, if for no other reason than to see the beautiful cars that its international jurors visit there. The cars are gorgeous and they are all displayed in pristine condition. It is amazing how well these cars have been preserved. The museum also houses a small collection of posters, magazine cut-outs, and other such nostalgic memorabilia from yesteryear. It is located near the backstretch and it is a quick walk from the Indy 500 Mile Race. It is free to enter but visitors can spend between 15 minutes and three hours there, depending on how much time they want to spend. The Consejo Mundial Del Automóvil (CMDA) Museum is open daily and it is a great place to take a walk, reminisce, or spend some quiet time. It never closes.