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Speedway, IN

Speedway, IN is a town completely enclaved by Indianapolis, globally renowned as the home of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the iconic Indianapolis 500 race.

About the Town of Speedway

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The town's official name is Speedway, Indiana . It is a town located in Marion County, Indiana, United States . Uniquely, the town of Speedway is an enclave, completely surrounded by the city of Indianapolis . Marion County is consolidated with the city of Indianapolis, forming the core of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, a major hub for commerce, industry, and sports in the Midwest.

Date of Founding and Age

Speedway was officially incorporated as a town in 1926 . It was conceived as a "town of tomorrow," designed to be automobile-friendly at a time when most streets in neighboring Indianapolis were still made of brick . As of 2026, the town is 100 years old.

Geographical Position and Coordinates

The geographic coordinates of Speedway are approximately 39°47′37″N 86°14′51″W (39.7937, -86.2481) . It is situated on relatively flat land typical of central Indiana, about six miles (10 km) west of Downtown Indianapolis . The elevation of the town center is around 222 meters (728 feet) above sea level . Speedway is a suburban town and an enclave of Indianapolis.

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Speedway is first and foremost a motorsports and tourism center. Its identity and economy are almost entirely dominated by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) . The town's nickname, "The Racing Capital of the World," reflects this specialization . While it has residential areas, its primary functions are hosting world-class racing events (like the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400), race-related tourism, and supporting the motorsports industry .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Speedway is 13,952 . With a total area of 12.3 km², it has a population density of about 1,134 people per square kilometer. It is classified as a small town. The population is diverse, with the 2010 census showing a composition of approximately 74% White, 17% African American, and 2% Asian .

Town's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Speedway is synonymous with the roar of engines and the thrill of victory. Globally famous as the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it's a place where motorsports history is made. Visitors come to witness the legendary Indianapolis 500, explore the rich heritage of racing at the IMS Museum, and experience the electric atmosphere of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Landmarks

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)

The absolute heart and soul of Speedway is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) . Located at 4790 West 16th Street, this legendary motorsports circuit is the world's largest sporting facility, with a permanent seating capacity of over 257,000 and room for approximately 400,000 total with infield access . Constructed in 1909, it is the second purpose-built, banked oval racing circuit in the world and a National Historic Landmark .

The Speedway is a 2.5-mile (4.023 km) rectangular oval with 9° 12' banked turns, famously nicknamed "The Brickyard" because its surface was originally paved with 3.2 million bricks. A distinctive yard-wide strip of bricks remains at the start-finish line today . It is the hallowed home of the Indianapolis 500, held annually on Memorial Day weekend, as well as the NASCAR Brickyard 400. From 2000 to 2007, it also hosted the United States Grand Prix .

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Located on the grounds of the IMS, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is an automotive museum that houses the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame . It showcases a vast collection of racing cars, including winning vehicles from the Indy 500, trophies like the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy, and various memorabilia that chronicle the history of the sport and the track .

Speedway Historic District

The Speedway Historic District is a designated historic site in the town . It encompasses a area with significant architecture and history related to the town's founding and development alongside the Speedway, including landmarks like the Allison Plant One, a historic factory building .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Speedway has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with hot, often humid summers and cold winters . The town experiences precipitation throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.

Average Temperatures Throughout the Year

Summers are warm to hot, with average high temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F) in July and August, and overnight lows around 19°C (66°F) . Winters are cold, with average daytime highs in January around 2°C (36°F) and nighttime lows dropping to -7°C (19°F) . The warmest month is July, and the coldest is January .

Precipitation and Humidity

Annual precipitation in Speedway is significant, averaging around 1421 mm (56 inches) . The wettest month is typically April, with an average of 184 mm of precipitation, while August tends to be the driest, with about 79 mm . Snowfall is common in winter, making up 24-28% of precipitation in January and February . Humidity levels are often high during the summer months, contributing to the "humid" feel of the continental climate .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Speedway for pleasant weather and to avoid the peak heat of summer is during the spring (late April to May) or fall (September to October). For the full motorsports experience, the end of May for the Indy 500 is the prime time, despite the chance of rain.

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers and Lakes)

While there are no major bodies of water within the town limits, Speedway is situated near the White River . This important Indiana waterway flows just to the east of the town, separating it from downtown Indianapolis, and is a notable geographical feature of the region .

Transport

Main Airports

Speedway is served by the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) , located approximately 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the town center . It is the primary airport for the region, with airlines such as Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, and United offering extensive domestic and some international flights .

Car Rentals and Highways

Renting a car is a popular option for getting to and around Speedway. The average rental cost is around $90 per day . Renting at the Indianapolis International Airport is often more economical than renting from locations within the city . The town is easily accessible by car via Interstate 465, which encircles Indianapolis, and other major roads like Crawfordsville Road (U.S. 136) and 16th Street.

Train Service

Amtrak provides rail service to the region. While there isn't an Amtrak station directly in Speedway, passengers can use the Indianapolis Union Station, located a few miles east in downtown Indianapolis . From there, train connections are available to major cities like Chicago and New York .

Bus Service

Several intercity bus lines, including Greyhound and FlixBus, serve Indianapolis, with stations downtown that are a short drive from Speedway . These provide an affordable option for ground travel to and from the city .

Special Event Transport: Helicopter

For the Indianapolis 500, a unique transport option is available. Sweet Helicopters operates as the official charter service, flying nearly 500 people directly to a heliport inside the IMS near Turn 2 . Flights from locations like the downtown Indianapolis Heliport take as little as six minutes, offering a fast and memorable way to bypass traffic on race day .

Sport and Sporting Legends

The town of Speedway is synonymous with motorsports, being the home of one of the most famous racing venues in the world.

The World-Famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is the defining landmark of the town . This isn't just a racetrack; it's a National Historic Landmark, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 . Known as "The Brickyard," a nod to its original 3.2 million brick surface, a single yard of which remains visible at the start-finish line, the Speedway is a massive facility. It is a 2.5-mile oval with permanent seating for over 257,000, and with infield viewing, it can accommodate approximately 400,000 spectators, making it the largest spectator sporting facility in the world . The track also features a 2.6-mile, 13-turn road course .

The Reimagined Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Located within the track between Turns 1 and 2, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopened in April 2025 after an extensive 18-month, $60.5 million renovation . It has been transformed from a traditional gallery into an immersive, high-tech experience spread across roughly 40,000 square feet .

Professional Sports Teams in Nearby Indianapolis

While the town of Speedway itself is focused on the IMS, it is completely surrounded by the city of Indianapolis, which is home to several major professional sports teams :

Dallara: An Iconic Motorsports Manufacturer

The multinational Italian race car manufacturer Dallara has its U.S. headquarters in Speedway, just steps from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway . Dallara has been the official and sole chassis supplier for the NTT Data IndyCar Series since 2012. Their facility is not just a factory; it's a center of innovation. In a groundbreaking partnership, Purdue University's motorsports engineering program is now housed within the Dallara headquarters, giving students unparalleled access to industry leaders. The facility is also home to the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC), a joint effort between Purdue's College of Engineering and Intercollegiate Athletics .

Famous Racing Legends

Many of the biggest names in racing are forever linked to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The museum's lower level is dedicated to the exclusive club of four-time Indy 500 winners: A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves . Other legends like Mario Andretti are also deeply woven into the track's history, and the museum's galleries feature cars and stories from icons like Janet Guthrie, the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 .

Museums

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

As detailed in the Sports section, the recently renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the town's premier cultural attraction. It is a world-class facility that transcends a simple car museum, offering immersive experiences that tell the 115+ year history of the Speedway. Key exhibits include the Borg-Warner Trophy and the collection of historic Indy 500-winning cars in the Winners Gallery .

Cultural Museums in Nearby Indianapolis

For a wider variety of museums, the nearby city of Indianapolis offers several renowned institutions :

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

A Legendary Shrimp Cocktail

St. Elmo Steak House is a historic Indianapolis dining establishment, famous around the corner from the convention center, and its signature dish is a world-renowned shrimp cocktail . The "fire" comes from its intensely potent, sinus-clearing cocktail sauce, made with a generous amount of freshly grated horseradish. It's a rite of passage for visitors and a must-try for any food enthusiast.

The Iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Plump's Last Shot, owned by Indiana basketball legend Bobby Plump (who inspired the movie Hoosiers), is well-known for its pork tenderloin sandwich . This dish is a staple of Indiana cuisine, featuring a breaded and fried pork cutlet that is pounded thin, making it significantly larger than the bun it's served on.

A Beloved Jewish Deli

Shapiro's Delicatessen is a legendary, Jewish deli-inspired institution in Indianapolis, renowned for its massive sandwiches, corned beef, and classic deli fare . It's a no-frills, cafeteria-style establishment that has been a local favorite for decades.

Notable Spots in Speedway and Indianapolis

Themed Neighborhoods

The town of Speedway itself has a number of restaurants and bars, all with racing themes, catering to the fans who flock to the track . Just outside Speedway, the Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis is known for its eclectic atmosphere, great coffee, and unique local establishments .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Purdue University in Indianapolis: Motorsports Engineering

Purdue University has a significant presence in Indianapolis, and its most notable program, located in Speedway, is its motorsports engineering program . This program is unique in the nation as the only ABET-accredited undergraduate motorsports engineering program .

Nearby Universities

The broader Indianapolis area is home to other major academic institutions, including Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI), which was formed from the realignment of the former IUPUI campus .

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

IU Health Emergency Medical Center at IMS

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is equipped with a state-of-the-art onsite medical facility called the IU Health Emergency Medical Center . This center is critical for race operations, providing comprehensive physicals for drivers and handling complex on-track trauma. In a unique collaboration, Topcon Healthcare has equipped this center with cutting-edge ophthalmic solutions, including a full eye examination suite, a retinal camera, and an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) system . This ensures that drivers' visual health is monitored with the best technology available, which is critical for safety and performance at speeds where "the blink of an eye equals 50 to 100 feet of track surface" . The center is also equipped to treat spectators for minor injuries or dehydration .

Local Healthcare in Speedway

For general healthcare needs, the town of Speedway is home to Oak Street Health, a medical practice focused on family medicine, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine . This provides local residents with access to primary care services. For more specialized medical needs, residents and visitors have access to the extensive healthcare networks of the nearby city of Indianapolis, including the hospitals and clinics of Indiana University Health.

Nearby Indianapolis Healthcare

Indianapolis is a major medical hub. The Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the largest medical schools in the U.S., is based there, and its affiliated hospitals (like IU Health Methodist Hospital and IU Health University Hospital) provide comprehensive, advanced medical care across all specialties. These facilities serve as a major resource for the entire state and the wider region. The Avon area, just west of Speedway, also has an Indiana University Hospital, providing additional access to the renowned IU Health network .

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