The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, often referred to as the “Brickyard,” is one of the most iconic and historic racing venues in the world. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was founded in 1909 by Carl G. Fisher as a testing facility for the burgeoning automotive industry. It’s located in Speedway which is an enclave of Indianapolis, Indiana. The track’s original surface was made of crushed stone and tar, giving it a unique and challenging characteristic.
The most renowned event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the Indianapolis 500, a 500-mile open-wheel race held annually on Memorial Day weekend. Since its inception in 1911, the Indy 500 has become one of the most prestigious and watched motor racing events globally. In addition to the Indy 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts other racing events, including NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 and the IndyCar Series’ GMR Grand Prix. The facility’s versatility makes it a hub for motorsport of various disciplines.
The track features a rectangular shape, often described as “The Brickyard” because its original surface was paved with 3.2 million bricks. While most of the track has been resurfaced with asphalt, a one-yard strip of the original bricks, known as the “Yard of Bricks,” still remains at the start-finish line and is a symbol of the track’s heritage.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a rich history that extends beyond racing. The museum on-site showcases a vast collection of racing memorabilia, and the track has witnessed numerous records, triumphs, and tragedies, contributing to its status as an enduring symbol of American motorsport.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands as a historic and revered racing institution, known for its prestigious events, the enduring tradition of the Yard of Bricks, and its pivotal role in shaping the world of motorsport. It remains a destination for racing enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring spirit of auto racing in the United States.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
To know more about Indianapolis Motor Speedway, let’s take a look at these 23 interesting facts about Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Founding Year: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was founded in 1909 by Carl G. Fisher, a prominent figure in the early automotive industry.
- Original Surface: The original racing surface of the track was made of crushed stone and tar, giving it the nickname “The Brickyard.”
- The Brickyard: While most of the track has been paved with asphalt, a one-yard strip of the original bricks remains at the start-finish line, known as the “Yard of Bricks.”
- Indianapolis 500: The first Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indy 500, took place in 1911 and has since become one of the most prestigious events in motorsport.
- Memorial Day Tradition: The Indy 500 is traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend, attracting racing enthusiasts from around the world.
- Oval Track: The speedway’s oval track is 2.5 miles long and features four distinct turns.
- Largest Seating Capacity: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has one of the largest seating capacities among sporting venues, with the ability to host over 250,000 spectators.
- NASCAR at the Brickyard: The track also hosts the Brickyard 400, a NASCAR race that has been held at the speedway since 1994.
- World War I Use: During World War I, the track was temporarily closed, and the facility was used for military aviation and vehicle repair.
- Air Mail Days: The inaugural U.S. transcontinental airmail service took off from the speedway in 1918.
- Gasoline Alley: The garage area at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is known as “Gasoline Alley,” where race teams prepare their cars for the Indy 500.
- Grand Prix Circuit: In addition to the oval track, the speedway features a road course, which hosts the GMR Grand Prix, an event in the IndyCar Series.
- Triple Crown: Winning the Indy 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Formula One World Championship is known as the “Triple Crown of Motorsport.” Graham Hill is the only driver to achieve this feat.
- The Pagoda: The Pagoda is an iconic control tower that overlooks the track and serves as a central hub for race management.
- A.J. Foyt: A.J. Foyt is the only driver to have won the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
- Hélio Castroneves: Hélio Castroneves has won the Indy 500 four times, in 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021.
- Lady in Black: The track is sometimes referred to as the “Lady in Black” due to the dark streaks left on the surface by the racecars.
- Grand Prix of Figure Eight Racing: In the early years, the track also hosted the “Grand Prix of Figure Eight Racing,” a unique and challenging form of motorsport.
- Motorcycle Racing: Motorcycle racing events were held at the speedway in its early years, including the “Motordrome” and board track races.
- Museum: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum showcases a wide array of racing memorabilia and historic race cars, making it a must-visit for racing enthusiasts.
- Dirt Track Races: The track has hosted dirt track races, including midget and sprint car events.
- Helio Castroneves’ Fence Climb: Hélio Castroneves started the tradition of climbing the track’s safety fence to celebrate his victories.
- Revival: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to be a vital and historic institution in American motorsport, hosting events and preserving the legacy of auto racing.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands as an iconic monument to the world of motorsport. With a storied history dating back over a century, it has witnessed triumphs, heartbreaks, and incredible moments that have left an indelible mark on the racing world. From the prestigious Indy 500 to the NASCAR Brickyard 400, the speedway has played host to a myriad of racing legends and unforgettable races. The enduring traditions, such as the Yard of Bricks and the Pagoda, symbolize the deep-seated heritage of this legendary track. As a place where speed and skill meet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to captivate racing enthusiasts and remains a beacon of automotive excellence, cementing its status as a timeless institution in American motorsport.