The Indianapolis 500 is an annual automobile race that has the distinction of being the oldest in the world. It is often referred to simply as Indy 500, and as the name suggests, it covers 500 miles. The race is a part of a premier championship car racing series called IndyCar.
The first-ever Indianapolis 500-Mile Race took place in 1911, which makes it over 100 years old. Over the years, racing legends like Al Unser Sr., A. J. Foyt, Hélio Castroneves, Rick Mears, and Simon Pagenaud have competed and won at the track.
It is held over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, a community in Indianapolis. Nicknamed the "Brickyard" inspired by the yard of exposed brick at the finish line, this speedway stays reader for action. RVers love to land their rigs here and enjoy the action during race time.
Every year over 300,000 people attend the race, making it one of the largest events of its kind. The Indianapolis 500 is up there with the most prestigious motor racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. Honoring age-old traditions is an integral part of the race, and this is reflected in the various ceremonies and celebrations.
Tickets for pre-race days and well as the actual race day go on sale a few months ahead of time. They range in price from $15 for practice day General Admission passes to over $200 for VIP tickets and Reserved Box seats. Tickets sell fast so get your application in early for the Indianapolis 500.
People who purchase tickets every year from the same Indianapolis Motor Speedway account gain seniority perks like upgraded seating. Children under the age of 15 can enter the General Admission areas for free if they are with a ticket-holding adult. You can find more information on tickets and pricing on the official event website.
As you plan your RV trip to Indiana Motor Speedway, first check which lot has been allotted to you with your ticket purchase. Directions to the individual lots are provided on the website. Patrons driving cars are requested to look up the entrance closest to their seating area and get there ahead of time.
Keep in mind that driving to the venue can be challenging since as guests arrive in their rigs at the same time. Road and weather updates may be monitored online through the State of Indiana's Department of Transportation or by calling 511.
Free parking and paid parking options are available on practice days, qualifying days, and other pre-race event days. Make sure to get there early to avoid missing out on the best spots. For the day of the main Indy 500 race, parking will need to be purchased in advance. You will need a pre-purchased pass to park in one of the lots.
There are several bus routes with stops close to the speedway. A number of private operators will also be offering shuttle services on the days of the event. Another way to get there is by using a taxi or rideshare service. If you' e in the mood to indulge, there is even a helicopter service offering chartered flights to the race.
Onsite camping is available at many of the parking lots that are a part of the Indianapolis Speedway. It's a good idea to pick a spot close to your seating location to cut down on walking between the camping and seating areas. A few of the spaces accommodate large rigs up to 50 feet in length. Amenities vary by campsite; be sure to note what comes with your camping choice.
Because of the popularity of the race and the limited number of camping spaces, a number of other RV parks and campgrounds have come up in the region within a 15-minute drive. These come with facilities like pull-thru sites, big rig access, and full hookups. They are also often affordably priced, making them ideal for more extended stays.
Rollerblades, golf carts, Segways, bikes, skates, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and other wheeled personal devices will not be allowed on the premises. Spaces for wheelchairs, accessible seating and parking are available for guests with disabilities. The ticket office can be contacted for any questions or requests regarding the accessibility of the venue.
You can't go wrong with casual, sporty, summer clothing. Where you're seated also has a role to play in your attire for the day. People in the box seats and suites tend to wear dressier clothing. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you're comfortable and wear shoes that you can actually walk in for an enjoyable day at Indianapolis 500.
A few essentials that can come in handy are sunscreen, a hat, wet wipes, and sunglasses. Make sure none of your products are packed in glass or aerosol containers. It's also a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your rig to be prepared for medical emergencies. Consider taking a seat cushion so you can sit comfortably throughout the day. Headphones and a scanner will give you a chance to hear the action as it unfolds on the speedway.
You're going to be in a huge group of people at all times, so keep an eye on your belongings. Wearing a crossbody bag is a good idea. If you're with young children, carry some earplugs to protect their sensitive ears. Stay close to your group and designate a meeting location in case you get separated.
Cooking fires are allowed in the camping areas as long as they are contained within an elevated device like a grill or fire pit. Make sure your fire is supervised at all times and dispose of any ashes properly. You can also prepare meals on the stove in your RV. Stocking up on supplies while in Indianapolis is easy enough with the many options for shopping, but keep traffic in mind and load up before you enter the speedway.
Indianapolis is known for American classics like burgers, barbecue, and grilled meats. Indulge in delightful French onion soup and breaded tenderloin sandwiches downtown or take a stroll and fill your belly with what your eyes encounter on a visit to Monument Circle. There are also a number of bars in the area where you can grab a glass of wine or a cocktail.
There will be individual food stands all over the venue where you can purchase tasty food and beverages. Be sure to try some of the crowd favorites like fried pickle burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, and hot dogs. There will also be several vendors right outside the venue, selling delicious grilled meats.
Indianapolis Metro Police Officers, private security personnel, and several other law enforcement agencies will be providing security. Officers will be patrolling the venue and making sure guests are comfortable and safe. All bags will be checked thoroughly before entry. Quick action will be taken against anyone carrying prohibited items.
While the weather is typically pleasant in May, Indy 500 has been affected by rain in the past. If a race is postponed, it will be completed the following day. In such cases, re-entry will be allowed using the same ticket. It's a good idea to go prepared for sudden showers with some rain gear. Also, check if any road or weather alerts have been issued by authorities before planning your trip.
Event organizers work with Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) to provide medical care to anyone who needs it. The Speedway will have multiple first aid stations and over a hundred paramedics on site on the day of the race. There will also be several ambulances available to rush guests to the nearest hospital if necessary. Pharmacy options in the area are as close as a 15-minute drive.
