Kick Things Off at the Hauler Parade
The weekend unofficially begins on Thursday evening, July 23rd, with the NASCAR Hauler Parade on Main Street in Speedway. This free, family-friendly event is a can't-miss spectacle. Watch as the massive, brightly colored semi-trailers that carry the race
cars roll into town like conquering heroes. The atmosphere is pure block party, with DJs, games, and local restaurants serving up food and drinks. It’s your first and most relaxed chance to get up close to the hardware of the sport and soak in the pre-race excitement before the track opens for business.
Explore the Fan Midway and Manufacturer Displays
The Sam's Club Fan Midway, located in the infield behind the Tower Terrace, is the central nervous system of fan activity. It's a sprawling area packed with interactive exhibits, sponsor displays, games, and plenty of free giveaways. Automakers like Chevrolet have huge displays where you can see their latest vehicles and even get autographs from drivers throughout the weekend. On Sunday, July 26th, you can catch drivers like Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman for brief Q&A and autograph sessions. Plan to arrive early, as there’s more than enough here to fill the hours before the engines fire.
Soak Up History at the IMS Museum
No trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway is complete without a visit to its world-renowned museum. Situated in the heart of the speedway, the IMS Museum is a shrine to more than a century of auto racing history. Even during the hectic Brickyard weekend, the museum offers a quiet escape and a chance to see iconic winning cars from both NASCAR and IndyCar. Be aware that museum admission does not include gate entry to the track itself, so you'll need your race ticket to get onto the grounds. The museum has special hours for the race weekend, typically opening around 10 or 11 a.m. It’s a must-do for any first-timer or history buff.
Get a Different Perspective on Friday
Sunday's race day is electric but crowded. For a more laid-back experience, don't sleep on Friday's practice sessions. The crowds are smaller, giving you the freedom to explore different vantage points around the massive 2.5-mile oval. It’s the perfect day to roam the grandstands, find your favorite photo spots, and get a feel for the sheer scale of the facility without the massive Sunday rush. Plus, you get to watch teams fine-tune their cars, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work that goes into a race weekend. Tickets are generally cheaper, and kids 15 and under are often admitted free with an adult.
Stroll and Eat on Main Street
Just steps from the track, the revitalized Main Street in Speedway offers a fantastic off-track experience. This walkable district is lined with breweries, restaurants, and local shops that buzz with energy all weekend. For a classic racing vibe, grab breakfast at Charlie Brown's Pancake & Steak House, a local institution. If you’re looking for great local craft beer, Daredevil Brewing Co. is a popular spot with a spacious outdoor area. This is where the racing community gathers when they're not at the track, making it a perfect spot to grab dinner and debrief after a day of on-track action.
Witness the Tradition of Kissing the Bricks
The Yard of Bricks at the start-finish line is one of the most sacred pieces of pavement in all of sports. The tradition of the winning driver and team kneeling to kiss the bricks has become an iconic victory celebration. While you might not be able to do it on race day, track tours often offer fans the chance to see and touch the legendary bricks. After the checkered flag falls on Sunday for the Brickyard 400, watching the winning team celebrate on that historic strip of track is the emotional exclamation point on the entire weekend.
