Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama
Wheel to wheel racing is about to begin. Pile into the campervan and hit the road for Leeds, Alabama, for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.
Event information
The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is a standout Indy Car Series event that regularly brings in over 80,000 spectators to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s a three-day racing event in spring, with practice, qualifying, and racing all designed to get spectators on their feet.
The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is also an excellent way for motor enthusiasts to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers. Past winners of the event include well-loved professionals such as Takuma Sato, three-time winner Josef Newgarden, and two-time winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Barber Motorsports Park is also an excellent facility that any visitor would be proud to say they have visited. From the 80-foot elevation changes and 17 flowing turns to the 45-foot racing ribbon and high-quality facilities, this track has it all.
Visitors can also enjoy camping opportunities, onsite entertainment, a motorsport museum, and much more to keep them entertained and enthralled during their stay. You can even make the most of what wider Birmingham has to offer. Go hiking at Oak Mountain State Park, see the animals at the Birmingham Zoo, or check out the beautiful surroundings at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
There are plenty of recreational activities and attractions in Birmingham, Alabama, so what are you waiting for? Book your tickets for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of America, plan your itinerary, and load your motorhome for a fun family road trip.
Tickets
Tickets are always in hot demand for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, so you’re not going to want to sit on your laurels. As soon as they become available, do a headcount, and purchase them without delay. You can buy your tickets online, at the gate (unless sold out prior), and by phone. You can also enjoy special group discounts.
Explore Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Birmingham, Alabama is centrally located to Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, making it a hot spot for out-of-state tourists. Whether you travel along I-20, I-459, I-65, I-59 or a minor highway, you’ll find that the roads are well sign-posted with plenty of areas to pull over for photos or breaks.
During racing weekends, there may be a little more traffic on the roads, especially around interchanges. However, you can plan ahead and know where delays may occur with the help of a traffic app such as ALGO Traffic or ALDOT. Allow extra travel time during weekends.
Once you reach Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Park is in Leeds, with access from US-78 adjacent to the Cahaba River.
Parking areas
Grass parking lots are open for cars, bikes, and RVs near the entrance to the facility on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday is by reservation only and sells out fast. If you miss out and are not camping on site, you may be able to park off site across I-20 where shuttles can take you to and from the Barber Motorsports Park.
Visitors can also reserve a three-day camping spot for the RV park behind the paddock. Daily drives out of the facility for other activities in Alabama are okay, as long as you bring your ticket with you at all times and display your camping pass.
Public Transportation
There is a shuttle that runs from the off site parking lot at regular intervals. If you are not camping on site and are, instead, leaving your RV at another accommodation, then rideshare services and taxis can be of assistance. There is a dedicated rideshare lot at Gate 2 through a left lane, then through to the pick-up and drop-off point in Lot F.
Where to stay
Onsite
For those who are struggling to find somewhere to stay with an RV, you’re in luck. As long as you reserve your three-day camping spot well in advance, you can park your RV atop a hill behind the racing paddock.
Your reserved spot has space for your pilot vehicle and RV, and there are both showers and restrooms available. You will be able to create a contained campfire and even use a charcoal grill for cooking, but there are no sewer, water, or electricity hookups. Pets are not allowed either. Feel free to use your bicycle with a helmet in the camping area, but leave your off-roaders, scooters, skateboards, and similar in your RV.
Nearby
Not everyone wants to spend every waking moment at the track, and that’s okay. Camp on the outskirts of Leeds and enjoy a short commute of 20-40 miles to the motorsport park daily. There are plenty of RV parks and resorts in the wider Birmingham area, as well as campgrounds that are accessible with a large RV. You can then travel to the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama daily at your leisure.
Getting around
The Barber Motorsports Park is expansive, with plenty of ground to cover during your stay. However, you won’t have to do all of that on foot. You won’t be allowed any off-roaders, golf carts, or skateboards, but you can jump aboard the tram which runs loops around the parking lot, viewing areas, paddock, and concession stands. Adults are also allowed to use bicycles with helmets in the camping area.
What to pack
Clothing
Rain and frost are not uncommon in spring in Birmingham, but sunshine is expected when the Grand Prix is on in April. Pack a variety of attire options to prepare for all eventualities. A rain jacket or poncho, wet weather footwear, and long sleeves may all come in handy when you’re taking an RV trip to the area.
Gear
Three days of motorsport action awaits, so make sure you bring everything that’s going to make those days as comfortable and as convenient as possible. You’ll need all your camping and cooking equipment, off-the-grid supplies, and gear for motorsport viewing as well.
Blankets, coolers, and lawn chairs are all allowed, but everything you bring in will be subjected to a search. A scanner with headphone setup can make a difference in how you experience what happens on the track. Cash, credit cards, earplugs, and a camera for making memories are all must-have items to bring, too. Finally, don’t forget your ticket and camping pass.
Health & Safety
The Barber Motorsports Park team pride themselves on providing a safe space for people to gather and watch motorsports events, but you can take a few safety precautions of your own. Pack a first aid kit in your RV, bring any medication you might require on your spring vacation, and don’t forget about toiletries, sunscreen, and bug spray as well. There are restrooms and showers on site for convenience, as well as ample seating areas if you need to sit and rest for a moment.
Where to eat
Cooking
Primitive RV camping is a memorable experience for many, and Barber Motorsports Park is all about making it as authentic as possible. You are allowed to create a campfire, as long as it’s a minimum of six inches off the ground. You can also use your charcoal grill, generator, and onboard RV kitchen appliances. There will be plenty of opportunities for toasting marshmallows and creating delicious traditional camp fare.
If you’re down to the last few marshmallows for s’mores, there is a supercenter within nine miles of the race track in Leeds, and a market within ten miles in Birmingham.
Restaurants
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out in Alabama. Whether you drive into Birmingham or Leeds, you are bound to find something to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy fast-food outlets you know and love, or treat yourself to sit-down dining at privately owned establishments offering barbeque, American cuisine, pizza, and more.
Vendors
If you don’t feel like venturing off site in search of hearty tucker, then you don’t have to when at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of America. The vendors on site are well equipped to serve the masses for the entire three-day event. There are plenty of options from which to choose, from full dinners through to light snacks. You can also choose from a range of beverages to wash your food down with delight.
Bring both cash and a credit card, or withdraw cash from one of the ATMs. There is also a merchandise vendor available for those who want to show their support for their favorite drivers.
Safety
Security
All people, vehicles, and possessions are subjected to security screening upon entry into the Honda Indy Grand Prix of America. You can speed up this process by having your camping pass and admission tickets ready, and any bags open for checking by security as well. Feel free to approach a security official at any time for assistance. You can also visit the Leeds Police Department within five miles of the race track.
Weather
Birmingham boasts a humid subtropical climate with mild but variable springtime conditions. While temperatures often reach the mid-70s during the day, there can also be a lot of rainfall, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes at this time of year as well. Bring ropes and ties for battening down the hatches, and check your weather app often before you get on the road. It helps to know what to expect when traveling to a new area.
Medical
If you find yourself in a spot of bother with an injury or accident, then rest assured you’re in the right place. There are plenty of trained medical officials ready and able to tend to your wounds. In an emergency, locate the nearest official and dial 9-11. There is a medical facility within a 12-mile drive of the race track, and a pharmacy within 14 miles.
