I'm not sure if you've heard of the Indy 500, but it is kind of a big deal in Indianapolis. (Joke. I know you have.) I was told that upwards of 300,000 people pack in for the race. (Did you know that though?)
While it wasn't race weekend when we were in town, we did get a behind-the-scenes look at the famed speedway. As most of you know, our parent company is a media broadcaster. For travel/tourism programming, they team up with destinations and produce programming for a variety of platforms. For this visit, I joined our boss who hosts programming from tourist destinations.
From the moment we stepped through the gate, I could feel the energy thrumming in the air. It's not just thinking you hear the echoes of roaring engines, it's the tangible presence of history, the weight of tradition and the sheer scale of the place. This isn’t just a racetrack; it’s a monument to speed, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
We made our way to the historic Yard of Bricks. Though there was no one racing us, we got a chance to do a couple laps around the roadway going in speeds you only see in car commercials (the ones that tell you "closed course" and "professional driver" and "do not attempt this").
Did you know there are four holes of a golf course in the middle of the track? That's how big this place is. You can actually fit a whole bunch of world landmarks in the middle.
Did you know that the entire track used to be paved with bricks? Now, just a single yard remains, a testament to the track's evolving history. And of course, our boss took the obligatory photo, kneeling down to kiss those hallowed bricks. Hey, when in Rome… or should I say, when in Indy! (I think it was also a contractual obligation with the tourism board, too!)
Because we were on a special tour coordinated by PR people, we got access to areas the general public doesn't. As part of a segment from the speedway, our boss jumped up on the winner's platform and chugged a bottle of milk -- a la an Indy winner. (Apparently the tourism rep had the bottle in a cooler of ice to keep it cold all morning until we got to the track at noon for the segment.)
Now, for the funniest part of the visit. See that white bus in the above photo? It was a guided tour going slowly around the racetrack when we were on the podium for the boss's segment and photo opp. As the boss was standing front and center on the podium chugging the milk, several cameras (ours, the Indy PR person, the tourism PR person, etc.) quickly and aggressively got in close to capture the moment. Well, the people in the bus saw this and thought something major was happening on the platform. They all crowded to the windows and started taking pictures of our group.
At this point, the boss was talking into his microphone as the segment taped. He gave them a wave as the bus slowly went by. (If you happened to be there in that moment, let us know! We'd love to see your pics of this!)
The real highlight for me, as a car lover, was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Housed inside the track itself, this museum is a treasure trove of racing history. It's packed with vintage race cars, trophies, photographs and artifacts that tell the story of the Indy 500 and the evolution of motorsports.
From the early "roadsters" with their exposed engines and rudimentary safety features to the sleek, technologically advanced cars of today, it was a fascinating journey through time. I even got to see the Borg-Warner Trophy, the stunning silver trophy awarded to the winner of the Indy 500. It’s even more impressive in person!
I'm guessing Jay Leno loves this place. The museum is home to dozens of vehicles dating back generations of Indy 500 racers. It is here that I fully realize that this city loves its races.
What truly struck me was the human element of it all. Reading the stories of the drivers, the mechanics, the pit crews and the fans, I realized that the Indy 500 is more than just a race; it's a cultural phenomenon. It's a testament to the human spirit, to the pursuit of excellence and to the unwavering dedication of everyone involved.
Beyond the racing itself, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers something for everyone. There are interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to learn about the history and science behind motorsports. And if you feel like risking hepatitis, kiss some filthy concrete on the track!
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Racing Capital of the World! You won’t regret it. I know I can’t wait to go back!