Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Capacity: 400,000 (257,327 in permanent seating)

Location: Speedway, IN

Main Events: NASCAR (Nascar Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series); IndyCar Series (Indianapolis 500), other motorsports events, vintage car events, charity events

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Located on the outskirts of the city of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the most famous and oldest purpose-built auto racing track in the United States, dating back nearly to the dawn of the automobile when it was first constructed in 1909 (three years before the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic!). A 2.5 mile (4.0 km) rectangular oval, the track’s dimensions have been left largely unaltered since its construction over a century ago, though much has been added in and around it. For one, a road racing course formerly used for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix as well as many other races weaves through the middle, using part of the oval en route (there is also now a golf course that extends inside and outside the main track!). Thousands of races of all types have been held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the one constant through all the years has been the annual event it is known for: the Indianapolis 500. The first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911, a time when driving 500 miles was no mean feat. It was accomplished by the winner Ray Harroun, however, in a Marmon Wasp, a car that looks closer to a horse carriage than to the vehicles that drive the race today. A who’s who of the famous names of racing have taken on the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and many have won, including such legends as Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, AJ Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, Jacques Villeneuve, Hélio Castroneves, Dario Frinchitti, and countless others. For racing fans, a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is somewhere between a religious experience, a bucket list tick, and the biggest party they’ve ever been to (along with 400,000 fellow fans to drink with). Along with the Indianapolis 500, the track also hosts several NASCAR events, and it is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame. Also known as the Brickyard and the “Racing Capital of the World,” with its garage called Gasoline Alley (though the cars don’t use gasoline anymore!), the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the biggest tourist draws in the state of Indiana. The best way to see it, however, is not on an off day, but being used for what it was made for: a race between some of the best drivers in the world in some of the world’s fastest four-wheel (or two-wheel) vehicles. Why wait? Get your tickets from TicketX to all the most exciting races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today!

Does the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also host concerts and other events?

Along with the Indianapolis 500 of the IndyCar Series and two NASCAR races, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also hosts a range of other motorsports events, vintage car events, and charity events. Standalone concerts are rare, but there is usually a race day concert for the Indianapolis 500 each year, along with a range of other performances and events. Here is a brief lineup of the main events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2024: 

• May 26 - Indianapolis 500 (pre-race concert featuring DJ Excision)

• July 20 - Pennzoil 250 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)

• July 21 - Brickyard 400 (Nascar Cup Series)

Keep your eye out for other exciting events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as they are announced. 

How can I find the cheapest tickets to races and other events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

As one of the oldest and most iconic auto racing tracks in the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a dream trip for motorsports fans from all over the United States and beyond. Fans drive or fly hundreds of miles to be at the races and to experience the fun of the tailgating, partying, socializing, and all-round good times all around the events there. Tickets are always highly in demand and tend to sell out well in advance. For your best chance at the cheapest tickets to events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, trust TicketX! TicketX lists all tickets for Indianapolis Motor Speedway events as they become available and our handy seating chart is the best way to compare prices and seat locations. The best tickets can be yours with a single click, at the lowest commission fees around!

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Seating Chart

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the biggest sporting venues in the United States and offers visitors many different seating options. If you prefer to spend race day in the lap of luxury with first class services and amenities, there is a wide range of luxury and VIP packages as well as premium seating areas like box seats or luxury suites. Seats with views of the pits are also available for fans willing to pay for the privilege. Most of the venue consists of general admission seating at relatively affordable prices, including standing room only areas. You can also book campsites or RV spots around the venue (reserve in advance!). Check out our handy TicketX seating chart to compare seating options in terms of price and location.

Getting to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the Indianapolis Motor Speedway via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway via public transportation

There is no public transportation as such, but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway does provide shuttles from the Indianapolis Airport and from downtown’s Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the ?). A taxi or ride-share is another good option. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website for more details.

Getting to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by car

Driving to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in your own vehicle is absolutely doable as long as you budget plenty of time and plan your route carefully well in advance. The official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website has detailed maps and driving directions depending on where you will be sitting. 

Does the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have on-site parking?

Large parking lots and parking at campsites provide plenty of space for the thousands of vehicles arriving for race weekends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Visit the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website for more details on parking or to buy your parking pass.

How much does Indianapolis Motor Speedway parking cost?

Some parking at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is free. Parking in more convenient lots usually costs $10-55 per day, while VIP parking costs much more (you can save by booking multiple days). Visit the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website to reserve and pay for your spot in advance. Check the website for camping fees as well.