Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana has operated as America's premier motorsport venue since 1909. Penske Entertainment Group acquired the facility in 2020 and continues to operate two distinct racing circuits: the historic 2.5-mile (4.023 km) oval and a 2.439-mile (3.925 km) infield road course with 14 turns. The speedway hosts diverse racing series and attracts up to 400,000 spectators for major events.

The Historic Oval Circuit

The 2.5-mile rectangular oval has remained essentially unchanged since 1909. Four geometrically identical turns, each spanning a quarter-mile with banking at 9 degrees and 12 minutes, connect to two long straightaways and two shorter chutes. The counter-clockwise circuit runs on asphalt, with a symbolic three-foot strip of original bricks at the start-finish line that gave the track its "Brickyard" nickname. This layout exclusively hosts the Indianapolis 500, which has run annually since 1911 as part of the NTT IndyCar Series. The oval also hosts NASCAR events, including the Brickyard 400, which returned to the oval configuration in 2024, and the Pennzoil 250 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The Infield Road Course

The road course was first built in 2000 for Formula One and has undergone several modifications since. The current 2.439-mile, 14-turn layout dates from 2014 and incorporates portions of the oval's Turn 1 and Turn 2, plus the iconic front straight, before winding through the infield. The road course runs clockwise for most events, opposite to the oval's direction. This configuration hosts the NTT IndyCar Series' Sonsio Grand Prix, the IMSA SportsCar Championship's "Battle on the Bricks," and the Intercontinental GT Challenge's Indianapolis 8 Hour. The facility previously hosted the Formula One United States Grand Prix from 2000 to 2007 and the Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix from 2008 to 2015 on earlier road course layouts.

Facility Specifications and Amenities

The speedway offers 257,325 permanent seats, making it one of the world's largest sports venues. Infield areas expand total capacity to approximately 400,000 spectators. The Gasoline Alley garage complex serves racing teams, while the Pagoda control tower provides race operations management. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum displays historic racing vehicles and artifacts. Recent 2025 facility improvements include refurbished seating areas, new video boards, and renovated concession stands. The Brickyard Crossing Golf Course features four holes inside the track oval.

Current Racing Calendar

Beyond the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR events, the speedway hosts numerous racing series. The Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational celebrates historic racing machines. USAC events include the BC39 for Midgets and Indiana Sprint Week. GT World Challenge America and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America also compete at the facility. This diverse calendar uses both the oval and road course configurations throughout the racing season.

Historical Recognition and Impact

The speedway earned National Register of Historic Places designation in 1975 and National Historic Landmark status in 1987. These honors recognize the track's influence on American motorsports and automotive development. The facility has served as a testing ground for innovations including rear-view mirrors, safety barriers, tire development, and aerodynamics research. During World War I, the speedway operated as a military aviation repair depot before returning to racing operations.

Access and Location

Located six miles from downtown Indianapolis, the speedway provides excellent accessibility for visitors. Extensive parking facilities accommodate tens of thousands of vehicles. The surrounding area offers hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options for millions of annual visitors. Between race events, the facility offers tours and museum access for fans exploring American racing history.