O Reilly Raceway Park

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park stands as a premier auto racing facility in Brownsburg, Indiana, just 10 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) owns and operates this 267-acre complex, which has served as a cornerstone of American motorsports since the early 1960s. The facility was previously known as O'Reilly Raceway Park before returning to its historic identity with Lucas Oil branding in December 2021. The raceway draws approximately 500,000 visitors annually for various racing events and automotive gatherings.

Track Layout and Specifications

The raceway features three distinct racing surfaces, each designed for different motorsport disciplines. The 0.686-mile (1.104 km) paved oval track has operated continuously since 1961 and hosts stock car, midget, and sprint car competitions. The drag strip measures 4,400 feet (1,300 m) in total length and was completed in 1960. This drag strip ranks as one of the premier drag racing venues globally. The facility also includes a 2.5-mile (4.023 km) road course with 15 turns that originally opened in 1968. However, the road course has fallen into disrepair and is no longer used for competitive events. The surface requires significant improvement before it can return to active use, though long-term plans exist for its redesign and renovation.

Racing History

Local businessmen conceived Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1959 as a recreational complex centered on auto racing. The first road race took place in 1961. The early 1960s saw both IndyCar and USAC stock car competitions on the road course. Racing legend Mario Andretti claimed his first Indy car victory at this track in 1965. For six years, the road course hosted the Hoosier Grand Prix, part of the USAC National Championship Series, along with the USAC Stock Car series Yankee 300. The NHRA purchased the facility in 1979 and invested in substantial renovations, including improved track surfaces, the construction of the original Wally Parks Tower in 1983, and new grandstands.

Notable Events

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series' Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals, often called "The Big Go," has been held at the drag strip since 1961 and remains the largest professional drag racing event worldwide. The oval track hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series TSport 200 and the ARCA Menards Series LiUNA! 150. In 2026, a NASCAR Doubleheader on July 24 will feature both series. The USAC Silver Crown Series runs multiple events at the facility, including the Dave Steele Carb Night Classic on May 22, 2026, the Hoosier Hundred, and Championship Saturday. The USF Pro 2000 Championship and USF2000 Championship also compete on the oval.

Recent Facility Renovations

The NHRA has initiated a multi-phase, multi-year renovation project to modernize the facility. Phase 1 was completed for the 2025 NHRA U.S. Nationals and included the demolition of the old Wally Parks Tower. A new three-story Wally Parks Tower now features race control, a media center, television broadcasting capabilities, three luxury suites, and an open-air observation deck that accommodates nearly 500 people. Eight suites above the west-side grandstands received full renovations. Phase 2 focuses on drainage improvements across the facility and will create a new entrance on the west side. This phase also includes ADA parking, upgraded parking and transportation, new restrooms, food and beverage buildings, and an updated ticketing office. Phase 3 plans call for relocating the professional pits, manufacturers' midway, and fan experiences to the west side of the track.