Trifter

May is the perfect time to visit Indianapolis, especially if you are a person that loves to hear the hum of the motors and watch sleek race cars pass by you at more than 200 miles per hour. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a legendary track, and an attraction no visitor should miss.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.6 mile racing track that serves a variety of racing events throughout the spring and summer seasons. It is located in a suburb of Indianapolis aptly named Speedway. The track itself is a flat rectangular oval that includes four turn and two straightaways. Another track was added to the infield incorporate a modern road course.

Image via Wikipedia

The IMS has existed since 1909. The first race to take place at the facility was actually not a car race – it was a balloon race with a large number of hot air balloons being launched from the infield. The IMS also has the distinction of being the only automotive racing landmark to appear on the National Register of Historic Places (1975).

The Speedway can accommodate more than 250,000 each season. And that’s just the seating in the stands. For those that want the experience of camping in the infield, another 150,000 spots are available. These numbers have made the IMS the largest capacity sports facility in the world.

The most famous race each season for the IMS is the Indianapolis 500. This race takes place the last weekend every May and provides visitors with a grand display of tradition and ceremony. From the “Star Spangled Banner” to “Back Home Again in Indiana” the anticipation builds with the racers as well as those in the stands. And when the green flag comes out, all bets are off.

Image by cmakin via Flickr

But the IMS does not host just one race. The IMS also hosts the NASCAR Brickyard 400 and the brand new Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The IMS had hosted a Formula One event from 2000 to 2007, but that was discontinued due to term agreements.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts a a variety of events in May that get the spectators involved in all of the excitement. The Indy 500 season begins every year with Opening Day. This is a chance for people to get a feel of the Speedway and maybe run into some of their favorite drivers. Other events include Fast Friday, Pole Day, Qualifying Day, and Community Day. Many of these pre-race events cost $5-$10 for a ticket. On race day, tickets for the event start at $20. For more information on events at the Speedway, check out the Schedule of Events at the official website.