Sliding down into my seat I move my arms out of the way so the two guys standing over me can make sure the seat belt harness is secure. Two thumbs up and a thump on the fender and we start to accelerate. The Indianapolis 500 car makes its way around the track and I’m having one of those moments where I can’t believe I am actually on one of the most famous racetracks in motorsports. In my opinion, the car goes way too slow and banks way too low, but that just gives me time to enjoy this feeling a little longer. One lap is all I’ve signed on for and I’m going to enjoy every single minute. My entire visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gives me experience after experience that goes by way too quickly, but I fully embrace each one while in the moment.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the more popular attractions in Indianapolis with May having an explosion of visitors for the famous Indy 500 race. Located near downtown the speedway offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the speedway as well as the opportunity to take a lap or two on the asphalt, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many visitors. During race season thousands of people descend on the speedway grounds, but during non race days you have a great opportunity to explore without the crowds.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Hall of Fame museum showcases race cars from a variety of series including Indy, NASCAR, Formula One, motorcycle and drag. In addition you’ll find a number of passenger cars that have ties to racing like Ferrari, Mercedes, Marmon, Stutz, and more. The Hall of Fame does a great job of showing off some beautiful cars as well as sharing the history of racing. The museum is set in the speedway’s oval giving visitors a great view of the museum, a stunning building, as they drive under the speedway and up to the museum.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Yard of Bricks
Climbing over the short barrier wall I find myself standing on hallowed ground also known as the Yard of Bricks. This might be even more awe inspiring then the spin around the track. This, this is where history has been made in motorsports. This 36-inch strip of bricks is the only remaining brick from the original track and is the start/finish line for races. More importantly I’m standing on the spot where careers have been made and broken. If you close your eyes, just for a moment, you might be able to hear the roar of the crowds and feel the energy pouring through the speedway as cars make lap after lap. Bottom line, an incredible experience.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tours
Tours are open to the public so that you can have an authentic speedway experience as well. Visitors can choose to drive a Verizon Indy Car Series car around the track while following a lead car. Not sure about driving your own car, but still want a great experience? Elect to tag along in the two-seater car and let a pro drive you around the track in a Verizon Indy Car built for two. After experiencing the thrill of a ride on the Indy Speedway join a Ground Tour and see more of the Speedway including a stop at the Yard of Bricks, guided tour through the museum, you’ll also get a behind the scenes peek at the timing-and-scoring suite in the Pagoda, the Media Center, Victory Podium, Gasoline Alley garages, and one of the typical hospitality suites.
I hope you have the opportunity to experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for yourself. Even if you aren’t a fan of motorsports the Speedway is a worthwhile stop during a visit to Indianapolis.
Learn more about this great city on the site or at VisitIndy.com
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This sounds like such a fun day! I would love to experience this myself someday!
This seems like a great time for anyone who loves speed! How fast did they let you go?
I love watching car races. I’m an especially big fan of the Indy 500.
Oh, I bet that one lap was quite an experience! I don’t typically watch racing, but I think if I had the chance to visit a raceway like Indy, I would be hooked!
My husband and I went on a ground tour about 10 years ago and I just loved it. I am a huge racing fan and it was something I had wanted to do since I was a kid. I need to go back so I can drive the Verizon Indy car around the track.
My husband has always wanted to go to the Indy Motor Speedway. It looks pretty neat. After seeing your post, I might just agree to go someday lol!
This would be such a cool experience! I visited Indianapolis two years ago and it was such a neat city. I wish I’d had more time to spend there.
My boys’ would love to visit the speedway! I’m not sure about squishing into that car, but it sounds like an incredible day.
It must have been awesome to explore the speedway. I’d definitely have to go on a tour!
My trip to Indy was cancelled when I got a bad case of pneumonia, but I insisted on hubby taking the trip and lots of pictures. He had a blast in the Indy car and touring the entire area. I’m glad you got to take part in the action and shared it.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a real raceway. This must be so exciting when a race is going! I can’t believe what a huge place it is.
I’ve never been, but my husband too his dad to a race there a few years back. He said it’s amazing how load it is in person. I bet they’d like to go on the tour someday, too.
That is so cool! I would love to just be there but driving would be a once in a lifetime experience.
I have a guy friend who is super into cars and fast ones at that! He would love this museum and attraction!
What an awesome experience. I would love to drive a race car someday. Sounds like it was a fab time.
This would be such a fun way to spend the day. It has always been a dream of mine to drive a race car.
This looks like a really fun experience! I loved learning about the yard of bricks. It is nice they kept part of the original track.
My husband would die if he got to do this! What a neat experience.
What a great experience. That would be so neat to do.
Im utterly jealous of your visit there! Amazing. We have family out there, just never thought to visit the speedway. We will check into that next time.
I’ve only been to Daytona. It was an incredible experience and I’d love to visit Indianapolis.
This is a neat. A racing fan would love a tour.
I’d LOVE to get there one day! My son loves race cars, and would absolutely die to see this!
Oh my gosh! My husband would love to visit and see race cars. He is very into this type of stuff. How awesome!