Indianapolis Motor Speedway

This racing facility covers a rectangular oval layout of roughly 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and offers permanent seating for over a quarter million spectators. The grounds also include a museum, several grandstands, and open infield areas that host viewing and camping zones during events.

Founders Carl Fisher and James Allison opened the site in March 1909 to provide a testing ground for automobile manufacturers. Over the following decades, it evolved into a venue for endurance racing that continues to host major competitions today.

Each May, fans from across the region gather for one of motorsport's most celebrated events, bringing traditions like tailgating, driver autograph sessions, and family gatherings into the infield. Many visitors return year after year, creating a sense of continuity and community that spans generations.

The venue offers multiple entry gates and expansive parking lots, making arrival easier on race days. Arriving early helps secure better parking spots and allows time to explore the grounds before larger crowds gather.

A strip of original paving bricks remains visible at the start-finish line, recalling the days when the entire surface was made of such bricks. This detail connects visitors to the early era of motor racing and serves as a popular photo spot.

Location: Speedway

Inception: March 15, 1909

Architects: Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison

Official opening: August 12, 1909

Capacity: 257325

Length: 4,218 m

Website: http://indianapolismotorspeedway.com

GPS coordinates: 39.79485,-86.23482

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:46