The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana, an enclave suburb of Indianapolis, stands as a monumental site in motor racing history. Known as the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, its grounds have expanded significantly over the years, from an original 320 acres to over 559 acres. This iconic venue, nicknamed "The Brickyard" and self-described as the "Racing Capital of the World," has undergone numerous transformations
since its inception, adapting to changing racing demands and technological advancements while maintaining its core identity as a premier motorsports facility.
Early Days and Structural Changes
The track itself is a 2.500-mile rectangular oval, with dimensions that have remained largely consistent since its construction. It features two 0.625-mile straightaways and four geometrically identical 0.250-mile turns, connected by two 0.125-mile short straightaways, known as "short chutes," between turns 1 and 2, and between turns 3 and 4. The turns have a banking of 9 degrees 12 minutes, which is considered relatively flat by American standards. Initially, parts of the track were paved with bricks, giving rise to its famous nickname. However, by the early 1930s, rising race speeds made the track increasingly dangerous, leading to a repavement where tarmac replaced the bricks in certain sections.
Further safety improvements were implemented during the 1935–36 seasons. The inside wall in the corners was removed, and the outside wall was realigned to change its angle relative to the track, aiming to reduce the potential for cars to vault over it. Hard crash helmets became mandatory for drivers, and the first yellow light system was installed around the track. These changes were crucial in addressing the dangers posed by increasing speeds and the inherent risks of motor racing.
The Hulman Era and Post-War Revitalization
The 1940s marked a critical period for the Speedway. In 1941, a significant portion of the "Gasoline Alley" garage area was destroyed by fire before the race. With the United States entering World War II, the 1942 500-mile race was canceled, and owner Eddie Rickenbacker announced the suspension of the race for the duration of the war. The track fell into disrepair, leading many locals to believe it would be sold for housing development. However, three-time 500 winner Wilbur Shaw, after witnessing the dilapidated state of the Speedway during a tire test in 1944, sought a buyer who would reopen it as a public venue.
Shaw found Terre Haute businessman Tony Hulman, who purchased the Speedway on November 14, 1945. The reported purchase price was $750,000. Under Hulman's ownership, major renovations and repairs were swiftly undertaken to prepare the frail Speedway for the 1946 race. This marked the beginning of the "Hulman era," during which the Speedway continued to grow. Stands were built and remodeled, suites and museums were added, and various other improvements helped restore Indianapolis's reputation as a great track. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, housing the Hall of Fame, opened in 1956 and moved into its current infield building in 1976. The Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort, originally the Speedway Golf Course, also contributes to the site's appeal, with 14 holes outside the track and four in the infield. The site is now one of the most visited attractions in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, drawing 1 million guests annually.
Expanding Event Horizons and Modernization
Beyond the Indianapolis 500, the Speedway has hosted a diverse range of events. From 2000 to 2007, it was the venue for the Formula One United States Grand Prix, and from 2008 to 2015, it hosted the Moto GP. The Speedway also served as the site for the opening ceremonies of the 1987 Pan American Games. In 2000, a modern, FIA Grade One infield road course was completed, incorporating part of the oval, including the main stretch and the southwest turn, measuring 2.605 miles. This road course was modified in 2008 and again in 2014 to accommodate motorcycle racing and improve competition. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, making it the only such site affiliated with automotive racing history.
