For most people, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is all about one day: the Indy 500. But behind the roar of engines and flash of race day is a deeper world of history, innovation, and year-round activity that makes IMS one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world.
From pit lane to the museum to the bricks themselves, a behind-the-scenes tour of IMS reveals what truly powers “The Racing Capital of the World.” Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this turbocharged look inside the Speedway is your ticket to understanding the soul of Indianapolis.
The Speedway Like You’ve Never Seen It
Founded in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just the world’s largest sporting venue—it’s a place where tradition meets technology. The 2.5-mile oval is flanked by 250,000 permanent seats, dozens of garages, miles of access tunnels, and the iconic Pagoda that towers above Gasoline Alley.
But IMS is more than asphalt. It’s a campus of legacy, a living museum, a working lab of speed—and the year-round epicenter of Indiana’s cultural pride.
The IMS Museum: Where Legends Live
Just inside the grounds of the Speedway sits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, housing more than 75 race cars, trophies, and exhibits that tell the story of over a century of competition.
What You'll See:
Historic Indy 500-winning cars dating back to the 1910s
Engineering breakthroughs that shaped modern auto technology
Interactive displays showcasing the evolution of driver safety
Rare exhibits on innovators like A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, and Janet Guthrie
Special rotating exhibitions tied to anniversaries or specific race years
This is where the legacy of the Indy 500 is preserved—and where new generations discover its meaning.
VIP Track Tours and Pit Access
Beyond the museum, IMS offers several tour options that take visitors beyond the bleachers and into the racing action.
Popular Tour Options:
Kiss the Bricks Tour: Ride around the oval in a bus and stand on the finish line to kiss the same bricks as the legends.
Golf Cart Tours: Explore the infield, garages, victory podium, and pit road with a private guide.
VIP Grounds Tours: Access restricted areas like the media center, timing and scoring, and the spotters’ perch atop the Pagoda.
Gasoline Alley Walkthrough: During race weeks, see the garages where teams prep cars down to the millimeter.
Each tour offers a rare glimpse into the operations, precision, and pressure behind race day.
IndyCar Tech: Built for the Edge
The IndyCar series represents the cutting edge of performance and safety—and nowhere is that more apparent than at IMS.
Insider Tech Highlights:
Chassis & Aero Packages: Learn how teams adjust wing angles and setups for track conditions
Tire Compound Science: See how Firestone's rubber selection changes with track temp and grip
Telemetry & Data: Discover how teams monitor over 100 live data points during each lap
Driver Training: Insight into physical, mental, and simulator prep routines used by elite drivers
Every element—from fuel to friction—is engineered to operate on the edge of possibility.
Events Beyond the Indy 500
IMS is a 365-day venue, not just a Memorial Day event. Throughout the year, the Speedway hosts a variety of racing and community events that make it one of the most visited attractions in Indiana.
Don’t Miss:
Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational: Classic cars on the track and in the paddock
IMSA SportsCar Weekend: High-performance cars from Ferrari, Porsche, and Corvette
Winter Lights Display: Drive-through holiday event through the infield and on the track
Indy Mini (Race on the Track too) local 5Ks, and private corporate events throughout the year
Whether you're a fan, tourist, or local looking for a day out, IMS offers far more than race day hype.
Why the Speedway Matters for Local Real Estate
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just an icon—it’s an economic engine.
Short-Term Rentals: Investors love the area surrounding IMS for race weekend demand
Civic Pride: Living near the track is a point of identity for many residents of Speedway, Haughville, and the west side
Tourism Draw: The Speedway pulls in thousands of visitors annually, supporting restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods nearby
Appreciation Potential: Neighborhoods near long-standing attractions tend to hold value better in economic shifts
For buyers relocating to Indy, proximity to IMS may offer more than just bragging rights—it could be a smart long-term move.
How Lockstep Realty Brings You Closer to the Action
At Lockstep Realty, brokered by eXp Realty, we don’t just sell homes—we help our clients plug into what makes Indianapolis unique. That includes racing culture.
We help buyers:
Explore homes near the track that blend value and vibe
Navigate short-term rental regulations and income opportunities
Understand traffic patterns, seasonal demand, and neighborhood dynamics during race month
Connect with community events that help them build roots, not just addresses
Whether you want to live near the roar of the engines or rent to race fans, Lockstep helps you make a move that fits.
FAQs – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tour
How do I book a behind-the-scenes tour?
Visit https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/ or https://imsmuseum.org/ to view available packages and book online.
Is the Speedway open year-round?
Yes. The museum and select tours run all year. Race-specific tours offer extended access in May.
Can I take kids on the tour?
Absolutely. Many exhibits are interactive and family-friendly. Kids under a certain age may be free—check the website.
Are there special events for locals?
Yes—yoga classes, 5Ks, light displays, and seasonal markets often cater to residents.
How close can I get to the actual race cars?
During special events and garage tours, very close. In May, many fans walk within feet of drivers and teams.
Final Thoughts – Walk the Bricks. Live the Legacy.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is more than a track—it’s the beating heart of Indiana’s most famous industry. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the city, a behind-the-scenes look at IMS reveals the stories, science, and spirit that make Indy what it is.
At Lockstep Realty, we don’t just talk about local culture—we live it. Let us help you find a home that connects you to this iconic place and the vibrant communities surrounding it.
