Honestly, if you ask me, the story of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is what makes the whole thing really exciting: built in 1909, built in 1911 the first Indy 500, and since then a mecca for speed junkie. I don't always understand the hype about the 500 miles, but the old brick oval that survived almost a century simply has character – a bit like a well-aged whiskey that still remains a bit sharp.
I like to take the train to Indianapolis because the Amtrak rolls directly into the city centre of Marion County, and from there a short Uber trip will take you to the heart of Center Township where the Speedway is located. There, between endless parking spaces and the typical Midwestern Bistros, you will find the best Indianapolis Motor Speedway attractions that are not in any guide – for example the small but fine “Turn 3 Café” where you get a coffee that is stronger than most racing cars.
A short trip to the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is mandatory, but I recommend you to walk around the route first. The asphalt smells like history, and if you're lucky, you hear the distant drone of a test run – this is the true soundtrack experience that no advertising poster can ever catch. And if you still have a look over the wide field of Center Township, you realize that this is more than just a race track – it's a piece of American identity that you just have to feel.
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The smell of burnt rubber is in the air as soon as you enter the terrain of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and this is only the start of a small trip that goes far beyond the race track. Right next to the famous Oval, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a place I visit every time, because I like to lose in history – and because the tickets here are never overpriced. I once saw an old Ford V8 there, which had more rust than an old refrigerator, and yet it was a highlight you should not miss.
A short detour to the north leads you to Eagle Creek Park. This is not some city park, but a huge nature reserve with lakes, hiking trails and even a canoe rental. I rented a kayak there on a hot July day and almost paddles the entire route around Lake Rogers – that was a real change of wallpaper after the loud engines. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekends when the families with picnic baskets flood the field.
Just a couple of miles away Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. I must admit that I was initially skeptical about whether an art museum near a racetrack makes any sense. But the combination of modern art, a beautiful garden and a collection of sculptures, which brings even the toughest racers to jam, convinced me. Last year, I took part in a guided tour where the guide explained that a particular painting was inspired by a former Indy 500 driver – no joke, that was real.
If you are looking for a place where you can refresh between the races, the Indianapolis Canal Walk That's right. The path is stretching along the Central Canal and offers numerous cafés where you can sip a cool ice cream coffee while enjoying the views of boats and passing Jogger. I once saw a street artist driving over the bridge with a miniature car – a little joke that loosened the mood.
Another highlight is the Indianapolis Zoo. Yeah, a zoo near a race track that sounds almost like a bad joke, but the wildlife here is really impressive. Especially the orange giraffe baby I watched at feeding has attracted me more than any pole position. The zoo is located a bit outside, so plan a bit of time to find the short but well signposted way from the Speedway entrance.
In conclusion, Hall of Fame Museum not missing, which is also on the Speedway booth. Here the legends of motorsport are honoured, and I was particularly pleased with the interactive exhibition where you can drive a virtual race yourself – a bit silly, but a real fun for the whole family. Parking is almost always a children's game as long as you don't arrive on Saturday night after a race, then it becomes a real patience sample.
Whether you're a meek motorsport fan or just looking for a little change, the environment of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers a colorful mix of nature, art, wildlife and history. These spots show that there are more than just loud motors – and that makes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Attractions to a surprisingly versatile destination.
Imagine we're in the middle of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, and I have to confess: The smell of burned rubber is almost as beguiling to me as freshly brewed coffee – only louder and with more adrenaline. I don't quite understand the hype about the “Brickyard”, but the feeling when you're in the 2.5-mile-long circuit and the stands like a huge, rusty amphitheatre over you is really great. Here you can feel history in every centimeter asphalt, and that is, in my opinion, the best intro for all other Indianapolis Motor Speedway attractions I want to put to your heart.
A short detour from the oval leads you to Pagoda, this bright, red-white tower, which serves as a lighthouse for motorsport fanatists. I made a selfie there once, while a tractor cleaned the track – the picture got more likes than my last holiday trip to Hawaii. Practical: The ascent is not particularly steep, so no reason to protect the knees, and the panorama over the entire system is a real photo magnet. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole cityscape will shine in the colors of the race flags.
Right next to the Pagoda Indianapolis Motor Speedway MuseumI am lovingly calling the “Hall of Fame” of the racing world. I spent hours there because I couldn't decide whether I'd rather see the old Ford V8 or the modern Chevrolet Corvette C8 – both of which have killed me. The exhibition is not only a bunch of shiny bodies, but also a bit like a museum for nostalgics who still believe in the good old 70s. And yes, the staff is friendly, but if you ask after the 3-hour tour guide, you only get a tired head nodding – this is part of the charm.
A bit further, almost hidden behind the garages, lies Victory Lane. I stood there for the first time when a driver just swung the target flag, and the whole ghunting was suddenly like a dumped bass that moans through the bones. The place is small, but the emotions are huge – a perfect spot to savour a glass of champagne if you happen to get a ticket for the after-race party. Practical note: The snake to the photo machine is longer than the queue for the best burger in the city, so be patient.
If you want to experience the true heart of action, you need to Pit Road on. Here it smells like engine oil, hot rubber and the occasional scent of hot dogs that are wasted by the mechanics during the lunch break. I once caught a mechanic as he secretly put a sandwich in the box – that was the most authentic culinary experience I ever had. The track is locked when the race is running, but during the training sessions you can move freely, which means that you can hear the sounds of the engines from close proximity without being crushed by a tire.
For families who do not want to stand in the dust all day, there is Family Grandstand. I spent a day with my niece there, and she was thrilled by the interactive screens that explain why a tyre change in 2.5 seconds is a miracle. The seating area is comfortable enough to make a nap if the race takes too long – and this is a real bonus if you are on the move with small children. Access is free as long as you have a valid ticket, and the staff is surprisingly patient when you ask for the next toilet block.
Last but not least a short trip to Speedway Plaza, the entrance area where you can get some souvenirs that are not found in any supermarket. I bought a miniature model of the oval, which is now on my desk and reminds me every time that I was in one of the most famous race tracks in the world. The place is well signposted, and parking is usually not a problem as long as you do not arrive on the day of the Indy 500 – then you need a boat to fight you through the crowd.
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