Indianapolis Motor Speedway

About

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most famous racing venues on Earth. Built in 1909, this massive oval track has hosted the Indianapolis 500 since 1911, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each May for what's often called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Whether you're a lifelong motorsports fan or simply curious about an American institution, a visit here is genuinely thrilling.

The facility spans over 250 acres, with the oval track itself large enough to fit several famous landmarks inside it. Beyond race days, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum sits within the oval and houses an impressive collection of winning cars, trophies, and memorabilia spanning more than a century of competition. You can take guided tours of the track, even riding along the famous 2.5-mile loop and kissing the yard of bricks at the start-finish line, a tradition that began with the track's original brick surface.

Race weekends are an experience unto themselves. The month of May builds from practice sessions and qualifying rounds to the main event, with Carb Day festivities the Friday before the race offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The Brickyard 400 NASCAR race and other events fill out the calendar through summer and fall. Food vendors, live entertainment, and the electric buzz of a packed grandstand make any race day memorable.

For first-time visitors, a few practical tips: the facility is enormous, so wear comfortable shoes and plan extra time for walking. Bringing ear protection is smart, especially for younger visitors, as the cars are extraordinarily loud. The surrounding Speedway, Indiana community has plenty of dining and hotel options. Parking lots open early on event days, and arriving ahead of time helps you settle in without rushing. The IMS Ticket Office at 4790 W. 16th Street is a good starting point for planning, and staff are responsive to questions about accommodations and logistics.

Accessibility

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides several accessibility accommodations for guests with disabilities. A dedicated wheelchair-accessible platform is located inside the South Short Chute near the Museum and Turn 2, offering a designated viewing area for wheelchair users. ADA seating in other grandstands is positioned at the bottom front of the stands for easier access. Wheelchair spaces with companion seats are also available in the Penthouse Level of Stands A, B, and the Paddock.

Accessible parking is available for events throughout the season. Free accessible parking is offered during Indianapolis 500 Qualifying weekend on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. On Carb Day and Indianapolis 500 Race Day, all ADA parking is pre-paid and must be purchased in advance.

To purchase ADA tickets and parking, or for questions about specific accommodations, contact the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700 or email [email protected]. The Ticket Office is in the Main Administration Building at 4790 W. 16th Street. Staff can help arrange accessible seating and parking tailored to individual needs.

Given the facility's size, visitors with mobility considerations should plan for significant distances between parking areas, gates, and seating sections. Contact the venue directly for current details on accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, sensory accommodations, and any temporary accessibility changes that may apply to specific events.

More accessible places in Indiana

• Eiteljorg Museum (Indianapolis)
• Indiana Medical History Museum (Indianapolis)
• Minnetrista Museum & Gardens (Muncie)
• Newfields (Indianapolis)
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (Fort Wayne)
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Lincoln City)