The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is one of the most iconic and historic motor racing venues in the world. Located in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, it is often simply referred to as "The Speedway." Here is some key information about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
History:
- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was constructed in 1909 as a testing facility for the rapidly growing automobile industry. The track was originally paved with bricks, giving it the nickname "The Brickyard."
Indianapolis 500:
- The IMS is best known as the home of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious and historic motor racing events globally. The Indianapolis 500 is an open-wheel, single-seat car race held annually on the last Sunday in May (Memorial Day weekend) since 1911, except during periods of global conflict.
Track Layout:
- The oval track at IMS is 2.5 miles (4.0 kilometers) in length and consists of four distinct turns connected by long straights. The banked corners are particularly challenging and contribute to the uniqueness of the track.
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course:
- Part of the IMS complex is the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, which incorporates four holes inside the oval track and 14 holes outside.
NASCAR at IMS:
- In addition to hosting the Indianapolis 500, IMS has also hosted NASCAR events since 1994, including the Brickyard 400, which was one of the premier races on the NASCAR calendar.
IndyCar Series:
- The Verizon IndyCar Series often hosts several races at IMS, including the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, a road course race held on a portion of the track's infield.
Historic Moments:
- The IMS has seen countless historic moments in motor racing history, with legendary drivers such as A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Mario Andretti tasting victory at the Indianapolis 500.
- In 2000, the track was resurfaced with asphalt, leaving only a one-yard strip of the original bricks at the start/finish line, which is famously kissed by race winners.
Facilities and Capacity:
- The IMS has expansive facilities, including grandstands that can hold over 235,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sporting venues in the world.
Hall of Fame Museum:
- The IMS is home to the Hall of Fame Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of historic race cars and memorabilia.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not only a racing venue but also an integral part of American motorsport history. The Indianapolis 500, in particular, has a special place in the hearts of racing fans and drivers alike, and it continues to be one of the most anticipated events in motorsports each year.