Indianapolis Motor Speedway

I love car racing, but I'm not an oval fan; thus, my review of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not your "based on a race" more common vibe. My brother-in-law's forte is race cars, he's mechanically inclined and can basically repair anything with wheels, thus works in the race car field. His team was doing test runs/practice day, so we stopped by to add him to our driving caravan headed out west. Got a chance to park down in the pit area and walk all around. I had no idea the track was smack in the middle streets/businesses; I was assuming it'd be out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by corn fields, so that was pretty cool. All my previous experiences with IMS have been via the tv, which they make it look so huge - which it is, don't get me wrong, being a 2+ mile circle - but the bleachers are way more up close and personal, no what I had always pictured it. Anyway, would I ever come here for a race? No way, cars going round and round in the same circle is boring to me, but I now appreciate the scale and longevity of this track. I even walked the brick on the track, so boom, haha!

I figure while in Indy, you might as well stop by the place that makes the city famous, right? So I visited, and I was told ahead of time that the museum was not open (it was undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, supposedly the first time in 50 years or something like that...). But I got to see the track, as well as go inside the building where all the V.I.P.'s hang out (I forgot he name of it but it's right at the line). My tour group did not go anywhere near the track however, because Chevrolet was doing some sorta promotional thing on the track that day. Apparently, on some days of the year they rent out the track to corporations. But it would have been cool to touch the brick or get my pic taking with the finish/start line. Still, it was a great experience. Learned a lot of history, that's for sure.

Kiss the Bricks tour - Great, quick experience This tour is $15 for adults, $8 for kids up to 15, and free for those under six. It is about 30 minutes of tour time, plus there are some photo ops before or after and the souvenir shop too. You round the track in a tram while listening to a guided Historic tour. Tons of interesting facts, even if you are not a racing fan. We are not, but really enjoyed the history piece of the tour. You get out at the start/finish line, see the original bricks and take more photos. The tour guide and driver are both very happy to help take photos. Something fun and educational to kill some time while in Indianapolis!!

What an incredible experience The speedway itself is beautiful, clean and well designed It never feels like you will be crushed by the crowds Lots of entrances and exits disperse people well I can't wait to come back !

We were so lucky to avoid the rain during our tour... AND ran into Roberto Guevera and Davy Jones!!! Nicest people!!!

A must visit location for any race fans. A really unique track that just emits history. Lots of cool and fun stuff to see. Word of warning is that it can get very busy on race day. Leave yourself a lot of time to get in and out.

Let me start by saying I'm not a fan of motor sports. I visited the motorway for the total solar eclipse in April 2024. NASA was there broadcasting so it felt the most 'legit' to watch here. The area is huge. There's a museum (unfortunately under construction when we visited) plenty of souvenir and food areas, and the track itself. The space was set up nicely for the event with meet and greets, demonstrations, and multiple viewing screens. I watched the opening ceremony then wandered out to a grassy spot for the eclipse. It was breathtaking. Almost as breathtaking as feeling the cars whizz past doing hundreds of miles. I can see the appeal. There's plenty of eateries nearby and security was friendly and offered suggestions.

Anytime someone's asked me where I'm from if I'm out of town they always ask me if I've been to the Indianapolis 500. Most people from all over the world know of the race. It's the world's largest sporting event. I always say yes I have! I've come multiple times attending the 500, the Brickyard - NASCAR cars, and the one that was really neat was the Red Bull Air Race with small planes weaving in and out of pylons all across the inside of the track. I wish they would bring that back. If you come you will see lots of people in yellow polos. They're called the "yellow shirts." If you need help or have questions they will help you. Wear sunscreen and bring ear plugs even if they're the little ones in the plastic bags. So many people have asked me that come to the race do I need these? Yes, NASCAR is even louder since the cars and the engine is much bigger than the Indy car. Try to bring only the things you need. You will be carrying it and walking a lot. Wear comfortable shoes also! High heels are not what you wear here. They do sell flip flops in the gifts shops. If you're in Gasoline Alley area you will see some yellow shirts with whistles. Pay attention. They will control the crowd and create a path so that the cars, drivers, tires, and whatever else they need from the garages to get over to the pits. Just be aware and I've seen people looking down on their phone not realizing everyone else has stopped and they get whistled at and still aren't paying attention to stop. The Gordon Pipers you may see all through the IMS. They're a Scottish/Celtic group that have been around since the 1960's that play bagpipes and drum music and all wear traditional kilts! They sound so neat! If you've never been it really is a neat experience just to see and hear the flyover by military planes and then the wave of the green flag and the start of the race. Maybe next year will be your year to come to the 500!

Visited on two different instances: - Attended Indy 500 ( May 2021) I must say both experiences were outstanding ! indy 500 was a unique experience. The crowd was very friendly. Mostly family, corporate or friend group who longed for the race. You are able to bring your own food, drinks ( including alcoholic beverages). If anyone in your circle has interest into car racing, this is definitely an activity they would enjoy. -Toured the museum in July 202. My dad is a huge fan of car racing, so I thought it would be a great chance for him to tour the place as he missed out on the race earlier during the year. We all enjoyed it very much. The ticket to the museum includes a guided drive through on the race track( via shuttle -departure every 30 min I think). Once you reach the race track you are welcome off the shuttle and can walk around the departure / bricks area and snap some photos. A great plus was the our guide spoke multiple languages to accommodate for the range of clientele.

This place is HUGE. I was in pure awe. Came to my first Indy 500, and I highly recommend to anyone, race car fan or not. The weather this year was perfect! Overcast for most of the race so while it was still hot, it was bearable. If you purchase general admission, I suggest bringing lawn chairs or at least a towel to sit on because the grass is sharp and is quite irritating. I forget grass can be very uncomfortable! Walking around, I could feel the rumbling from both the race cars and the Snake Pit. The Snake Pit is a concert within the speedway, and man do I wish I was in there. I guess that just means I'll have to come back again sometime! Throughout, there are places you can eat. I recommend researching what food stands will be there and location. I wish I had done that. I did enjoy a corn dog, and man, it was the best corn dog I've ever had.