Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), located in Speedway, Indiana, near Indianapolis, is one of the oldest and most iconic motorsport venues globally. Constructed in 1909, IMS is famed primarily for hosting the Indianapolis 500, the legendary 500-mile open-wheel race held annually since 1911. Known as “The Brickyard” due to its historic brick-paved surface, IMS is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and remains a central hub in American motorsport history.

History

The concept of IMS originated with Indiana businessman Carl G. Fisher in 1905, who sought a safer, purpose-built racing facility for automotive testing and promotion. After rejecting two sites, Fisher and partners James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby, and Frank Wheeler purchased 328 acres of farmland named Pressley Farm, about five miles northwest of Indianapolis, for $72,000 in December 1908. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company was incorporated in March 1909 with $250,000 capitalization.

Construction began in March 1909, initially designed as a 3-mile oval but ultimately scaled back to a 2.5-mile rectangular oval to fit the land and grandstands. The track surfacing process used layered materials including soil, gravel, limestone with tar, and crushed stone. After early races in 1909 exposed the shortcomings of this surface, it was paved with 3.2 million bricks by the fall, giving rise to the “Brickyard” nickname. A 33-inch concrete wall was installed for spectator safety, and grandstands with 12,000 seats, buildings, bridges, and a perimeter fence were completed. The first scheduled racing event was delayed due to safety improvements, but the inaugural Indianapolis 500 was held on May 30, 1911, won by Ray Harroun, who notably used a rearview mirror, a first in motorsport.

Subsequent improvements included gradual asphalt paving over the bricks—completed fully by 1961 except for one yard of bricks at the start-finish line preserved as a historic marker. Ownership evolved over the decades, with stewardship by Eddie Rickenbacker and later the Hulman family, who revitalized the venue post-World War II.

Most Famous Races Held

IMS is globally synonymous with the Indianapolis 500, one of the oldest and most prestigious automobile races. Running almost every year since 1911 (except wartime hiatuses during 1917-1918 and 1942-1945), the Indy 500 draws massive attendance and worldwide media attention. IMS has also hosted the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Cup Series race since 1994, expanding the venue’s significance into stock car racing. The track hosts other events in the IndyCar Series, Xfinity Series, and occasionally NASCAR Truck Series.

Track Information

The Speedway’s 2.5-mile rectangular oval consists of four 1/4-mile turns with 90-degree corners connected by long straightaways and short chutes, with a width designed to facilitate high speeds and close competition. Known for its brick surface legacy, most of the track is now asphalt, but the one-yard “yard of bricks” remains at the start-finish line as a tribute. The venue boasts a seating capacity exceeding 250,000, making it one of the largest sporting arenas worldwide. Facilities include garages, grandstands, control towers, and the Speedway Museum, preserving rich racing heritage.