About – I first attended the Indy 500 in 2010 and then again in 2012. I don’t think this event needs much more of an introduction, any self respecting motorsport fan has to experience this at least once!
Race Tickets – I have had race day tickets in ‘Stand A’ both times, it is opposite Gasoline Alley and a large TV screen. Choosing seats which are under cover are advisable as both occasions I have been, record temperatures have been close to being broken, even if you like the sun, the metal bleachers can get rather hot in the sun! Expect prices in the region of $30 - $100 for your race day ticket.
Garage / Pit Access– Generally available via purchasing a bronze badge (approx $100), this allows GA access throughout the month of May all the away to the Saturday before the race. You will be able to walk around the garage area, but only those with selected passes can have access to the pit are behind the wall.
At the Track –the ‘Month of May’ is more like two and a half weeks in recent times. You can use your Bronze Badge to gain GA access, or pay $10 per day. On the Wednesday before the 500 it is community Day, big family orientated event, and you get to your parking spaces, you will need to drive a lap of the track... even at 20mph you can still say you have done it! Friday is Carb Day, Cars on track mixed with rock music, it is one of those things to be seen, pretty unique event all round! Saturday brings the public drivers briefing and presentations, later in the afternoon, the downtown parade takes place. During the lead up to race weekend, more and more merchandise and memorabilia stands open up so come prepared, you WILL spend money! The programme costs $10 and is one of the best out there. Also make sure you visit the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, with a fantastic collection of racing cars spanning one hundred years.
Away from the Track– There are plenty of events around the city leading up to the 500, but two which I believe are well worth attending are ‘The Yellow Party’ and the ‘Burger Bash’. The Yellow Party is a charity event supporting Racing for Cancer, lead by Ryan Hunter-Reay. Food, music and an auction takes place throughout the evening, tickets are around £50. The Burger Bash is part radio show, part Q& A, part raffle, part auction, part social meet up – so plenty going on late into the evening. It has taken place for the past five years at 96th Street Steakburgers.
Hotels – First time round I stayed south of the city in Franklin, about 30 minutes drive of the track. It is a quiet town so better for those who prefer that scene. Second time round I stayed a couple miles east of the track (for qualifying weekend) just off W38th, you can hear the cars on track in the morning from there. Race weekend itself is very busy as you could imagine – book very early to get the best hotels / deals out there. This last time, I stayed in Carmel, a very nice area in the north of the city, using back roads driving south you should be able to get to the track in good time, hitting traffic as you get towards the circuit, just set your alarm early, about 5:30am and you will be fine.
Also Try – Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in Carmel, if it is good enough for Man vs Food, it is good enough for anyone - Take on the Big Ugly Challenge and get your picture on the wall of fame! Head downtown to visit the White River State Park, one of the greener downtown areas and plenty of museums around. Lastly there are plenty of Karting opportunities in Indianapolis, so check out Fastimes in the North-East of the city, just off I-465; booking is advisable as it can get very busy around race weekend.
Tickets Available Here
Race Tickets – I have had race day tickets in ‘Stand A’ both times, it is opposite Gasoline Alley and a large TV screen. Choosing seats which are under cover are advisable as both occasions I have been, record temperatures have been close to being broken, even if you like the sun, the metal bleachers can get rather hot in the sun! Expect prices in the region of $30 - $100 for your race day ticket.
Garage / Pit Access– Generally available via purchasing a bronze badge (approx $100), this allows GA access throughout the month of May all the away to the Saturday before the race. You will be able to walk around the garage area, but only those with selected passes can have access to the pit are behind the wall.
At the Track –the ‘Month of May’ is more like two and a half weeks in recent times. You can use your Bronze Badge to gain GA access, or pay $10 per day. On the Wednesday before the 500 it is community Day, big family orientated event, and you get to your parking spaces, you will need to drive a lap of the track... even at 20mph you can still say you have done it! Friday is Carb Day, Cars on track mixed with rock music, it is one of those things to be seen, pretty unique event all round! Saturday brings the public drivers briefing and presentations, later in the afternoon, the downtown parade takes place. During the lead up to race weekend, more and more merchandise and memorabilia stands open up so come prepared, you WILL spend money! The programme costs $10 and is one of the best out there. Also make sure you visit the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, with a fantastic collection of racing cars spanning one hundred years.
Away from the Track– There are plenty of events around the city leading up to the 500, but two which I believe are well worth attending are ‘The Yellow Party’ and the ‘Burger Bash’. The Yellow Party is a charity event supporting Racing for Cancer, lead by Ryan Hunter-Reay. Food, music and an auction takes place throughout the evening, tickets are around £50. The Burger Bash is part radio show, part Q& A, part raffle, part auction, part social meet up – so plenty going on late into the evening. It has taken place for the past five years at 96th Street Steakburgers.
Hotels – First time round I stayed south of the city in Franklin, about 30 minutes drive of the track. It is a quiet town so better for those who prefer that scene. Second time round I stayed a couple miles east of the track (for qualifying weekend) just off W38th, you can hear the cars on track in the morning from there. Race weekend itself is very busy as you could imagine – book very early to get the best hotels / deals out there. This last time, I stayed in Carmel, a very nice area in the north of the city, using back roads driving south you should be able to get to the track in good time, hitting traffic as you get towards the circuit, just set your alarm early, about 5:30am and you will be fine.
Also Try – Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in Carmel, if it is good enough for Man vs Food, it is good enough for anyone - Take on the Big Ugly Challenge and get your picture on the wall of fame! Head downtown to visit the White River State Park, one of the greener downtown areas and plenty of museums around. Lastly there are plenty of Karting opportunities in Indianapolis, so check out Fastimes in the North-East of the city, just off I-465; booking is advisable as it can get very busy around race weekend.
Tickets Available Here
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