Overview

Fast facts

Year Opened: 1909

Capacity: 257325

City / State: Speedway / Indiana

Biggest Event: Indy 500

All time Champion: A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears

Recent Winner: Josef Newgarden

Known for: Being the first racing facility named.

Last 5 Winners

Simon Pagenaud Indy Indianapolis Motor Speedway Image Source

2019

Simon Pagenaud from France wont the Indy 500 in 2019 with a time of 2:50:39.2797. He was able to best Alexander Rossi from USA and Takuma Sato from Japan.

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Will Power winner Indy 500 2018 Image Source

2018

Will Power from Australia won the 2018 Indy 500 with a time of 2:59:42.6365. He was able to beat Ed Carpenter from the USA who got 2nd place, and Scott Dixon from New Zealand who ended up in 3rd.

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Takuma Sato Indy 500 Image Source

2017

Takuma Sato from Japan won the 2017 Indy 500 with a time of 3:13:03.3584. He was able to beat Helio Castroneves from Brazil who got 2nd place, and Ed Jones from England who ended up in 3rd.

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Alexander Rossi Indy 500 Image Source

2016

Alexander Rossi won the 2016 Indy 500 with a time of 3:00:02.0872. He was able to beat Carlos Muñoz from Colombia who got 2nd place, and Josef Newgarden from USA who ended up in 3rd.

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Juan Pablo Montoya Indy 500 Image Source

2015

Juan Pablo Montoya from Colombia won the 2015 Indy 500 with a time of 3:05:56.5286. He was able to beat Will Power from Australia who got 2nd place, and Charlie Kimball from USA who ended up in 3rd.

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Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Those of you attending a major race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will find one big party. The entire week leading up to big races like the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400 are filled with all kind of racing events and concerts.

The fine people of Indianapolis go all out to put on an incredible event for the Indy 500. Not only will you find a whole weeks worth of racing events and concerts, but there is also a parade as well. If you want to get the most out of attending the Indy 500, make sure to arrive by at least Friday, or you’ll miss a lot of the activities surrounding the race.

The major partying before the Indy 500 is kicked off on Friday evening with the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert and things just get better from there. The Legends Day Concert on Saturday is another fantastic concert to see during your trip to Indy as well. However, while both those concerts are fun places to party before the race nothing beats the Snake Pit and the Snakepit Ball. The Snakepit is as all out EDM festival that is the perfect way for anyone who loves to party to attend the race and the Snakepit Ball, which takes place the night before the race, is the place to hobnob with celebrities at the Indy 500.

Those you who are looking for some more family friendly entertainment will want to make sure to check out the IPL 500 Festival and Parade. The 500 Festival is a month long event throughout May that is home to a variety of events including Breakfast at the Brickyard, the 500 Festival Kids Day, and most notably the IPL 500 Festival Parade. The parade is one of the best parts of the Indy 500 and is one of the best parades in the country. At the parade, you’ll see amazing floats, costumed characters, celebrities, and much more, so take some time to see the IPL 500 Festival Parade during your trip to Indianapolis.

Even if you’re not attending one of the bigger races, take some time to explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the race as the Grounds Tours and IMS Hall of Fame Museum are worth spending a day seeing. Additionally, if you’re a golf fan, you’ll want to take the opportunity to play 18 holes at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course.

Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers lots of places to camp and tailgate meaning you’ll have no problem finding a place to throw back a few beers with friends and family. The parking lots surrounding the racetrack are filled with a sea of tailgaters leading up to the race, so get your tickets and join in the fun.

A trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides plenty to do before the race and you’ll have an excellent time tailgating with fellow racing fans.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tailgate
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Concourse
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Autograph
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tailgate
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tailgate
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Traditions

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Image Source

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a must-see for any racing fan. The museum features race cars from a variety of series including Indy Car, NASCAR, Formula One, and much more as well as lots of artifacts from racing history. If you’re a diehard racing fan, then the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum should be on your bucket list so plan your trip to Indianapolis today.

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Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayTour Image Source

Grounds Tours

During your trip to Indianapolis make sure to take a Grounds Tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tour last about an hour to an hour and a half and departs from the Hall of Fame Museum at 9:30 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:00 pm. No trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is complete without taking the Grounds Tour making it a must for any taking in a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Golf Course Image Source

Brickyard Crossing Golf Course

If you love racing and golfing, then The Brickyard Crossing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the place for you. Book your tee time and enjoy a round of during your trip to the Indy 500.

IPL 500 Festival Parade Image Source

500 Festival Parade

The IPL 500 Festival Parade is one of the longest running traditions surrounding the Indy 500 as well as one of the premier parades in the country. The parade takes place the night before the Indy 500 and features floats, celebrities, costumed characters, and much more making it a must-see for any traveling to Indianapolis for the race.

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Where to tailgate

Stadium Guide

In Game

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the biggest and most historic race tracks in the world making a trip to Indianapolis a must for any diehard racing fan. You’ll find tons to see at the IMS as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is worth the trip to Indy all by itself. The museum contains all kinds of memorabilia, and even cars, from the past making it a must-see. If the museum isn’t enough racing history for you, then the Grounds Tour has you covered. The tour lasts about an hour to 90 minutes and shows you just about everything you could want to see at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

While you can never go wrong taking in a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, there is no better time to go than the Indy 500. The Indy 500 is one of the oldest and most famous races in the world as well as an all week party making it a great time to visit Indianapolis. Racing fans and Indiana locals go all out to celebrate the Indy 500, and everywhere you look you’ll find parties surrounding race day. Whether you party in the neighborhood or take part in the Snake Pit party in the infield, there is a lot of partying to be done at the Indy 500.

If you’re looking to experience the Indy 500 in the wildest way possible, then make sure to get tickets to the Snake Pit. The Snake Pit’s reputation as the rowdiest and craziest part of the Indy 500 dates back to the ‘70s, and you’ll see why when taking in a race from the Snake Pit. While you may not have the best view of the action on the track from the Snake Pit, the fun atmosphere more than makes up for the somewhat less than desirable view of the race.

On the other hand, those of you who are here for the race first and foremost will have a great time taking in the race from the grandstand. The grandstand offers an excellent view of the race, although due to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s massive size you’ll likely be unable to see all of the track no matter where you’re sitting.

In addition to being the home of the biggest event of the year in IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also home to NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. The Brickyard 400 is one of the biggest races on the NASCAR calendar, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the site of many memorable moments over the years including the start of the brick kissing tradition. You can’t go wrong attending the Brickyard 400 as you never know what will happen during this incredible race.

A trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a fantastic time for any racing fan, and there are several big races held here every year, including the world famous Indy 500, so don’t hesitate to start planning your trip.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Race
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fans
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pit
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Infield
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Winner
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Things to check out

Indianapolis Gasoline Alley Image Source

Gasoline Alley

If you buy a Bronze Badge or have other credentials giving you access to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famous Gasoline Alley then take the time to check it out. Gasoline Alley offers you the chance to see the cars up close and meet the drivers and is a can’t miss if you have the opportunity to see it.

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Indianapolis Gasoline Alley Suite Image Source

Gasoline Alley Suite

Those of you wanting to experience a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in style will want to get tickets in the Gasoline Alley Suite. The suite provides you with not only an incredible view of all the action but also catered food.

Indianapolis Panasonic Pagoda Image Source

Panasonic Pagoda

Snap a picture of the famous Panasonic Pagoda during your trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Panasonic Pagoda is one of the most famous structures in racing, so make sure to check it out when visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Balloons Image Source

Balloons

Another time-honored tradition at the Indy 500 is the releasing of the balloons before the race. The balloons are released as the last note of “Back Home in Indiana” is sung and are a signal to all in attendance that the race is about to start.

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Indianapolis Speedway MotorPanasonic Pagoda Image Source

Kissing the Bricks

The tradition of kissing the bricks after winning the Brickyard 400 dates back to 1996 when Dale Jarrett kissed them. Don’t miss the tradition following the race as it's a big part of any Brickyard 400 or Indy 500, especially if your favorite driver wins it.

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Back Home in Indiana Image Source

“Back Home in Indiana”

The singing of “Back Home in Indiana” dates back to 1919. However, it didn’t become a pre-race tradition until 1946. Today the tradition is one of the most memorable parts of any Indy 500, so join along in the singing of “Back Home in Indiana” before the race.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pace Car Image Source

Pace Car

The pace car at the Indy 500 is a big deal as not only is the car driven by a celebrity it’s also awarded to the winner of the race. It’s quite the honor to drive the pace car or be the company providing the pace car for the Indy 500, so don’t miss the pace car when attending the Indy 500.

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Indianapolis Drinking of Milk Image Source

Drinking of the Milk

The tradition of the winner drinking milk after the race dates back to 1936 when Louis Meyer was photographed drinking milk in victory lane. The practice has been a part of every race since 1956. Don’t miss seeing your favorite driver drinking milk following his or her victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Borg-Warner Trophy Image Source

Borg-Warner Trophy

The Borg-Warner Trophy has been awarded to the winner of the Indy 500 since 1936 and is one of the most recognizable trophies in sports. The trophy contains bas-relief sculptures of every Indy 500 winner and is a must-see, so make sure to stay for the Borg-Warner Trophy presentation following the race.

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Snake Pit 500 Image Source

Indy 500 Snake Pit

Located in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Snake Pit is the biggest, and wildest, party at the Indy 500. Inside the Snake Pit, you’ll enjoy a full out EDM party that no young person from Indiana would want to miss. The Snake Pit’s history as party central at the Indy 500 dates back to the ‘70s, so get your tickets to the Snake Pit if you want to let loose during your trip to Indianapolis.

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Indianapolis Indiana 250 Image Source

Indiana 250

Don’t miss the Indiana 250 on the Saturday before the running of the Brickyard 400. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race is an excellent way to whet your appetite for the big show on Sunday, so make sure to get tickets to the Indiana 250 to experience the full Brickyard 400 weekend experience.

Bars & Restaurants

  1. King Ribs BBQ

    King Ribs BBQ

    Established joint for ribs, chicken & sides with daily specials & a drive-thru window.

    3145 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

    317-488-0223

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  2. Dawson’s on Main

    Dawson on Main pizza

    Steaks, seafood & diverse homestyle entrees in a casual, contemporary spot with a brick interior.

    1464 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA

    317-247-7000

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  3. The Tamale Place

    The Tamale Place Sandwich

    Simple quick-serve pit stop for tamales, tacos, tortas & more based on family recipes.

    5226 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224, USA

    317-248-9771

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  4. Mug-n-Bun

    Mug n Bun Burger The Mill of MacArthur Burger Fries

    Vintage drive-in (with indoor seating too) known for burgers with all the fixings & house root beer.

    5211 W 10th St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA

    317-244-5669

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Barbecue and Bourbon

    Barbecue and Bourbon BBQ West Texas Barbeque Co BBQ R&B Barbeque BBQ Arthur Bryants BBQ

    Hearty plates of BBQ & whiskey cocktails are the draw at this rustic outpost with a down-home vibe.

    1414 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA

    317-241-6940

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  6. Iron Skillet

    Iron Skillet Fried Chicken State Line Fried Chicken Finish Line Cafe Fried Chicken Ark Fried Chicken Chicken Tenders Takis Diner Fried Chicken

    Historic home turned eatery supplies abundant, 3-course meals of homestyle fare served family-style.

    2489 W 30th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

    317-923-6353

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Pasquale’s PIzza

    Pasquales PIzza Pizza Stavros Pizza House Pizza Woodys Country House Pizza

    We are famous for our hand-tossed pizzas and stromboli steak sandwiches! We are that local family restaurant you have been searching for!

    3623 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

    317-632-4331

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  8. Charlie Brown’s Pancake and Steak House

    Charlie Brons Pancake & Steak House Pancake

    Down-home eatery serving classic American meals, including breakfast, amid booths & racing decor.

    1038 Main St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

    317-243-2502

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  9. Mike’s Speedway Lounge

    Mike Speedway Lounge Beer Northstar Bar and Grill Beer Shipleys Tavern Beer Press Box Sports Bar Beer

    Join us for great drinks, great food, and the best people in the world everyday!

    3701 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

    317-631-8807

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Dare Devil Brewing

    Dare Devil Brewing Beer

    Enjoy the best craft beers that Indiana can offer.

    1151 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Open Range Bar & Grill

    Open Range Bar & Grill Wrap

    Open Range Bar & Grill is a sports pub on the west side of Indianapolis just minutes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    707 N Lynhurst Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46224, USA

    317-672-9610

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  12. Big Woods Speedway

    Big Woods Speedway Bar

    The Woods Abide not only pays homage to one of the great bowling epics of all time, it speaks to the culture we’ve created at Big Woods, one where everyone is welcome and Common Goodness prevails.

    1002 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA

    317-757-3250

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Working Man’s Friend

    Working Man Friend Beer Tiki Hut Pub & Grill Beer 4th and Mill Beer

    Bustling diner featuring giant burgers & other casual grub, plus cocktails in an old-school space.

    234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

    317-636-2067

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. 8 Seconds Saloon

    Beer

    Rough-&-ready bar hosts country-western musicians & offers lessons on its giant dance floor.

    111 N Lynhurst Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46224, USA

    317-612-0087

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Taps & Dolls

    beer

    Long, narrow 2nd-floor tavern features 50 taps, video games & DJ'd weekend dance parties.

    247 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-638-8277

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  16. Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & OTB

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Scratch kitchen turns out American mains & pub grub plus offtrack wagering in a Vegas-style lounge.

    20 N Pennsylvania St #2, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-656-7223

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  17. Coaches Tavern

    SpeedZone Tavern Beer Sheridans Irish Pub Beer Kobis Bar & Grill Beer

    Coaches Tavern is a tribute to each cities coaches and athletes who have made an everlasting impact through the years.

    28 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-917-1191

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. O’Reilly’s Irish Bar & Restaurant

    O Reilleys

    Traditional Irish cuisine and Guinness always on tap.

    36 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-974-0674

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  19. Wild Beaver Saloon

    Wild_Beaver

    Making your gamedays extra special

    20 E Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-423-3080

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  20. Yard House

    Yard House beer

    Always has that distinct sense of belonging in this place.

    15 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-917-4408

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  21. Tin Roof

    Tin Roof beer

    Unpretentious shotgun shack bar & music venue with creative takes on American pub food.

    36 S Pennsylvania St #190, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-951-2220

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  22. Stadium Tavern Indy

    Tavern Indy tacos

    Home of indy's best smoked burgers and chicken wings.

    802 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-929-1978

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. Howl at the Moon

    Howl at the Moon Cocktails

    Lively bar with a party vibe featuring dueling piano shows & novelty bucket drinks. There's never a boring drink!

    20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-955-0300

    Bar website

    american - $$

  24. Nicky Blaine’s

    Nicky Blaines drink

    Nightclub offering cocktails, small plates & cigars to a jazzy beat against a vintage backdrop.

    20 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-638-5588

    Bar website

    american - $$

  25. Tavern On South

    Tavern on the South

    Always feeling like a winner.

    423 W South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-602-3115

    Bar website

    american - $$

  26. Tomlinson Tap Room

    beer bottles

    Indiana-brewed craft beers served in a pub overlooking the historic Indianapolis City Market.

    222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-634-9266

    Bar website

    american - $

  27. Kilroy’s

    Kilroys bar drinks

    Good food, good friends, great tradition.

    201 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-638-9464

    Bar website

    american - $$

  28. The Greek Islands Restaurant

    Greek Islands Restaurant

    Authentic Greek cuisine prepared by an amazing Greek family

    906 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-636-0700

    Bar website

    european - $$

  29. Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub

    Pearl Street

    It's all about the handmade specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

    65 E Pearl St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-638-3110

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  30. Prime 47

    Mos

    Steaks and seafood paired with wines and live piano music in a monumental setting with tall windows.

    47 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-635-0720

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  31. Napolese Pizzeria

    Napolese pizza

    Napolese is about artfully made pizza and stone hearth baking.

    30 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-635-0765

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  32. Yolk

    Eat Yolk

    One of the best cafes in Indianapolis that serves the most creative breakfast dishes & sandwiches.

    220 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-632-9655

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  33. Shapiro’s Delicatessen

    Shapiros

    Big portions of Kosher-style deli classics are served cafeteria-style.

    808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-631-4041

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  34. Weber Grill

    steak grill

    Steaks, BBQ & other classic American dishes in a restaurant overlooking Downtown Indianapolis.

    10 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

    317-636-7600

    Bar website

    american - bbq - steakhouse - $

  35. Harry & Izzy’s

    HarryandIzzys burger wine

    One of the best fine dining experiences out there

    4050 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250, USA

    317-635-9594

    Bar website

    american - bbq - steakhouse - $

  36. St Elmo Steak House

    St Elmos steak

    The most tender and flavorful steaks are served here

    127 Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    317-635-0636

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$