All About Indianapolis Motor Speedway: History, Capacity, NASCAR Races and More

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just one of the most famous race tracks in America. It’s one of the most recognizable sporting venues in the world.

Home to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and numerous other major racing events, the historic Indiana facility has served as motorsports’ biggest stage for more than a century. Its iconic Yard of Bricks, enormous grandstands and rich history make it one of NASCAR’s crown jewel stops every season.

Whether you’re tuning in for the Brickyard 400 or simply want to learn more about one of racing’s most legendary venues, here’s everything you need to know about Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Where is Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in Speedway, Indiana, an independent town surrounded by the city of Indianapolis.

The facility opened in 1909 after being developed by businessman Carl G. Fisher and partners James Allison, Arthur Newby and Frank Wheeler. Originally intended as a proving ground for the rapidly growing automobile industry, the track quickly evolved into one of the world’s premier racing venues.

Today, the Speedway hosts events across several major racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA and other motorsports competitions.

How big is Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Few sporting venues anywhere in the world rival Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Some of its most impressive numbers include:

2.5-mile rectangular oval
Four distinct 90-degree corners
More than 250,000 permanent seats
Capacity exceeding 300,000 with infield spectators during major events
Largest sports seating facility in the world

The facility covers more than 550 acres, making it one of the largest sporting complexes on Earth.

Why is it called ‘The Brickyard’?

Although today’s racing surface is asphalt, the track originally consisted of crushed stone and tar.

After durability problems developed during the Speedway’s earliest events, officials repaved the racing surface in late 1909 using approximately 3.2 million bricks.

While nearly all of those bricks have since been covered with asphalt, a 36-inch strip of the original bricks remains exposed across the start-finish line. Drivers traditionally stop to kiss those bricks after winning the Indianapolis 500 or Brickyard 400, creating one of motorsports’ most recognizable victory celebrations.

What NASCAR races are held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

NASCAR first tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1992 before announcing the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1993.

Jeff Gordon won the first Brickyard 400 in 1994, becoming the first driver to win a stock car race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Today, the Speedway hosts:

NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Pennzoil 250

The Brickyard 400 remains one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races alongside the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500 and Bristol Night Race.

Who owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Roger Penske became the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway in January 2020 after purchasing the facility, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMS Productions from Hulman & Company.

The acquisition marked the first ownership change in the Speedway’s history since the Hulman-George family purchased the facility in 1945.

Penske continues to oversee operations while investing in facility improvements and fan experiences.

What races are held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Although Indianapolis is best known for the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, the Speedway hosts multiple premier events throughout the year.

Major annual events include:

IMSA Battle on the Bricks

The track has also hosted Formula One and MotoGP in previous years using its road course configuration.

Why Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains one of NASCAR’s biggest stages

For NASCAR drivers, winning at Indianapolis means joining one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs.

Only a select group of Cup Series drivers have celebrated in Victory Lane at the Brickyard, and the tradition of kissing the Yard of Bricks has become one of the most iconic moments in motorsports.

With its unmatched history, enormous crowds and century-old traditions, Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains one of the most prestigious venues any driver can conquer.

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