Overview
Speedway is a small, self-governing town of roughly 12,000 residents entirely surrounded by Indianapolis on the west side of Marion County, Indiana. Its identity is inseparable from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), one of the most storied racing venues in the world and the site of the annual Indianapolis 500, run each Memorial Day weekend since 1911.
Despite its modest size, Speedway draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year during major race events, making it one of the most visited small towns in the United States by sheer event attendance. Outside of race season, the town offers a quieter, neighborhood feel with easy access to all that greater Indianapolis has to offer.
The entire Main Street corridor near the track has seen ongoing revitalization, with locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops catering to both racing fans and everyday residents. Travelers who time a visit around a race event will find an atmosphere unlike almost anywhere else in American motorsport culture.
Before You Go
Visas
Speedway is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Race Weekend Planning
If you are visiting for the Indianapolis 500 or another major IMS event, book accommodations months in advance — sometimes up to a year ahead for the 500. Hotels across greater Indianapolis fill quickly, and prices rise significantly during race weekends. Verify current ticket availability and pricing directly at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's official website.
Weather
May in central Indiana can be unpredictable — warm sunshine one day, cold rain the next. Pack layers and a rain layer if attending outdoor events. Summers are warm and humid; winters are cold with occasional snow, though few major events fall in winter months.
What to Bring to the Track
IMS has a bag policy and rules on what items can be brought inside the grounds. Check the current policy on the official IMS site before packing coolers, cameras with long lenses, or large bags. Ear protection is strongly recommended — race cars are extremely loud.
Getting There
By Air
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the primary gateway, located roughly 10–15 miles southwest of Speedway. It is served by most major U.S. carriers and select international routes. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines directly.
By Car
Speedway sits just off I-465 (the Indianapolis beltway) and is accessible via several major routes including West 16th Street and Georgetown Road. Driving is the most practical way to reach Speedway from most points in Indiana. Be prepared for significant traffic delays immediately before and after major race events — race-day traffic management around the IMS is a well-organized but time-consuming process.
By Public Transit
IndyGo, Indianapolis's public bus system, serves the greater Indianapolis area and has routes connecting to areas near Speedway. Service frequency and route details should be verified at indygo.net. During major race events, special shuttle and transit arrangements are sometimes available — check local event announcements for details.
Getting Around
Speedway is a compact town and the area around the IMS is walkable during events, though the sheer size of the track grounds themselves means significant walking once inside. A comfortable pair of shoes is essential on race days.
Outside of race events, a personal vehicle or rideshare (Uber and Lyft both operate in the Indianapolis metro area) is the most practical way to move between Speedway and Indianapolis attractions. Bicycle infrastructure exists in parts of the area; verify local trail connections via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail or local cycling resources.
Parking during major events is managed by IMS and surrounding property owners. Official IMS parking lots are available; verify current pricing and lot locations on the IMS website. Arriving early and planning your exit strategy in advance will save considerable time.
Things to See & Do
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The IMS is the undisputed centerpiece of any visit to Speedway. Even outside of race weekends, visitors can tour the facility, drive a portion of the 2.5-mile oval on a bus tour, or walk the famous yard of bricks at the start/finish line. The IMS Museum on the infield is open to the public on most days (verify hours and admission fees at the official IMS site) and houses an extensive collection of historic race cars, trophies, and memorabilia spanning over a century of motorsport history.
Attending a Race
The Indianapolis 500 (held Memorial Day weekend) and the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race (typically late summer) are the two flagship events. The IMS also hosts INDYCAR races, MotoGP motorcycle racing, and other events throughout the year. Checking the current IMS event calendar before planning your trip is essential.
Main Street Speedway
The revitalized Main Street near the track is a pleasant place to walk, browse local shops, and stop at independent restaurants and bars. The street takes on a festive character during race months.
Nearby Indianapolis Attractions
Speedway's location within the Indianapolis metro means Indianapolis's museums, parks, and cultural sites are all within easy reach. The Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, White River State Park, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis are all roughly 20–30 minutes away by car.
Food & Drink
Speedway's dining scene is small but growing, centered largely on Main Street. Local bars and casual restaurants cater heavily to racing fans and have developed their own traditions around race weekends. Expect a mix of American bar food, pizza, and casual dining rather than a wide variety of international cuisine.
During race month (May), many local establishments extend their hours and set up outdoor seating or event-specific menus. Reservations for sit-down restaurants near the track are advisable on race weekends, as demand far exceeds normal capacity.
For a wider variety of dining options, greater Indianapolis is just minutes away and offers everything from James Beard-recognized restaurants to international food markets and food halls like St. Elmo Steak House (a historic Indianapolis institution) and the growing Bottleworks District. Verify current hours and reservations directly with any restaurant before visiting.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Time Zone
Speedway observes Eastern Time (ET) year-round. Indiana does not observe daylight saving time in most of the state, meaning that during summer months, Indiana aligns with Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) rather than Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4). This can affect coordination with travelers from other U.S. time zones — verify scheduling carefully during summer events.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) is generally reliable in Speedway and the Indianapolis area. Network congestion on race days inside and around the IMS can be significant — download maps, tickets, and key information before arriving at the venue.
Accessibility
The IMS has accessibility accommodations including accessible seating and facilities. Verify current ADA accommodation details and how to request them directly with IMS ticketing.
Safety
Speedway is generally considered a safe, quiet residential town. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded race-day environments.
Race days bring very large crowds — the Indianapolis 500 routinely draws over 250,000 spectators — so be aware of crowd dynamics, have a designated meeting point with your group in case you get separated, and ensure your phone is charged before entering the venue. Traffic and parking situations require patience and some advance planning to navigate safely.
