Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, a cornerstone of American motorsports since 1960, is a versatile racing facility located in the Indianapolis area. Owned and operated by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), this iconic venue boasts both a 0.686-mile asphalt oval track and a 2.500-mile road course. The oval, with its 12° banking and rich history of thrilling races, and the technical 15-turn road course cater to a variety of racing disciplines. Known for hosting prestigious events like the NHRA U.S. Nationals and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ TSport 200, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park continues to be a premier destination for racing enthusiasts.
History
Indianapolis Raceway Park, now known as Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, is a storied motorsports venue with a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1958. Nestled in the Indianapolis area, this 30,000-capacity facility is owned and operated by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The track’s development was spearheaded by a group of 15 local businessmen and racing professionals, including notable figures like Tom Binford, Frank Dickie, Rodger Ward, and Howard Fieber. Each member of this pioneering group invested $5,000 to transform a 267-acre farm tract into a premier racing complex.
The track officially opened its doors in 1960, initially under the name Indianapolis Raceway Park. Over the decades, it has undergone several name changes, reflecting its evolving identity and partnerships. From 2007 to 2010, it was known as O’Reilly Raceway Park, and from 2011 to 2021, it was called Lucas Oil Raceway.
The original vision for the facility included a 15-turn, 2.500-mile road course. However, as a strategic move to mitigate potential economic risks, the founders decided to incorporate a quarter-mile drag strip into the road course’s long straightaway. This addition proved to be a wise decision, as the drag strip has become a central feature of the venue.
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is renowned for hosting a variety of major events. Among these, the NHRA U.S. Nationals stands out as a marquee event that has been held annually since 1961. The track also features the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, showcasing high-octane drag racing action that attracts fans from all over.
In addition to NHRA events, the track has a history with NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series. The TSport 200, a popular race within the series, was held at the venue from 1995 to 2011 and made a return in 2022. This blend of drag racing and NASCAR events underscores the track’s versatility and enduring appeal.
With its deep roots in the Indianapolis racing community and a legacy of hosting top-tier motorsports events, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park remains a beloved destination for racing enthusiasts and a testament to the vision and determination of its founders.
About The Track
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, originally known as Indianapolis Raceway Park, has a storied history and boasts a versatile layout that caters to a wide range of motorsports disciplines. Opened in 1960, this renowned facility features both an oval track and a road course, each with its unique characteristics and records.
Oval Track
The oval track at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park has been in operation since the track’s inception in 1960. This 0.686-mile (1.104 km) asphalt oval includes four turns, each with a 12° banking, providing a challenging yet thrilling experience for drivers. The current race lap record on the oval is an impressive 19.7522 seconds, set by Braden Eves from the United States in a Tatuus IP-22 during a USF Pro 2000 race in 2024. This record showcases the high-speed potential of the oval track, making it a favorite for both drivers and fans alike.
Road Course
The road course at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, introduced in 1968, offers a different flavor of racing. Spanning 2.500 miles (4.023 km) with 15 turns, this asphalt course is designed to test the skill and endurance of drivers. The road course has a rich history of its own, with the race lap record being held by Chilean driver Eliseo Salazar. Salazar set the record time of 1:23.622 in a Ferrari 333 SP during a World Sports Car (WSC) event in 1994. This record reflects the technical demands and high-speed capabilities of the road course, which has been a staple for various racing series over the years.
Versatility and Legacy
The dual configuration of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park makes it a unique and versatile venue in the motorsports world. Its ability to host both oval and road course events allows for a diverse range of racing activities, attracting a wide array of motorsports fans. From the high-speed, side-by-side action of oval racing to the strategic and technical challenges of road course racing, the track offers something for every racing enthusiast.
With its rich history, impressive records, and continued relevance in the motorsports community, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park remains a cornerstone of American racing culture. Whether it’s the roar of NHRA dragsters, the excitement of NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series, or the precision of road course racing, this iconic venue continues to deliver unforgettable experiences for drivers and fans alike.