What Can We Do?
We studied the brochures and possibilities of what to do in Indianapolis with limited time. The weather was pretty crummy - cold and wet - so outdoor activities were eliminated. We finally settled on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. With the Indy 500 coming in May, we thought this would be a good sight to see.
Driving around Indianapolis is pretty easy. The highway system gets you around town with little problems. What I didn't realize was that the speedway is located in town surrounded by business and residential areas. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but this sure wasn't it. We drove right to the museum entrance. My first impressions were that the speedway stands and fences surrounding were built right next to the streets and old.
The museum is full of race cars and vintage vehicles. Though we didn't sit in on the film about the history of the speedway, it was a popular attraction. Lesley and Dan sat in a race car where you could either have your picture taken by workers for $5 or take one yourself with your camera (no cost)! Watching both of them climb into the car was entertaining! Lesley isn't very tall and getting into the seat wasn't much of a challenge.
After leaving the speedway, Lesley had located a bead shop (jewelry making is her hobby), and after a misunderstanding of directions and a trip through the country in stop and go traffic due to construction on the highway, we found the shop. She gained new ideas and new product for her creations. It was soon time to meet up with Bill where he and I would head for home while Lesley and Dan took time to stop a couple places along the way back.
A short trip - for sure - but satisfied cabin fever with a change of scenery! All in 24 hours or less!
The speedway is located west of the downtown area. I was surprised that it is surrounded by city streets and not out in the open. The entrance to the museum is unique in the fact you drive down and under the track and come up out in the infield area! The bleachers are sitting right next to the road. Parking is free.
It was suggested to us we take the $3 bus tour of the track first. Not a long tour, it is worth the money. When the track is not being used for testing or competition purposes or closed by inclement weather, you board an air-conditioned bus, and listen to narration as the driver circles the famed 2.5 mile track once. You will learn about the speedway from the early years until the present. Points of interest noted were the luxury suites, golf course, the famous "yard of bricks," the familiar tower showing the placing of the cars during the race, the pagoda at the start/finish line, the new safer barriers, and pit road. The bus brings you back to the museum at the end of the tour.
Admission to the museum is also $3 (there is a AAA discount). The building is full of race cars and memorabilia along with cars of yesteryear. Inside the doors, you will find the 500 race cars of A.J. Foyt, Eddie Rickenbacker, Danica Patrick, and other winners of races held at the speedway such as Tony Stewart's Nascar from the Brickyard 400. There is a mock garage of Foyt from back in the 60s. Trophies, helmets, fire suits, and other priceless items with most of the items donated by former participants. Beautifully restored antique cars are displayed along with vehicles built in the Indianapolis area. You can look at the details of the Borg-Warner trophy. Winners of the 500 each May will have their name and likeness engraved on this very large trophy. In the theatre, a 30 minute highlights film is played at no additional charge.
One of the fun things to do is sit in an actual chassis of a 500 race car. For $5, the attendant will take a picture for you to take home. If you have your camera with you, they will allow you to take your own picture. It is actually very interesting seeing first hand just how much room you don't have in one of those race cars.
Each driver inducted into the Hall of Fame is pictured one of the walls. Race fans will recognize names such as Foyt, Andretti, and Unser. On the opposite wall across the museum are pictures of all the winners of the Indy 500.
The Official Trackside Gift Shop is located within the Hall of Fame Museum. This is the place to buy your T-shirts, banners, posters, and other items officially licensed Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and other race merchandise.
As I left, I could just imagine those famous words - "Ladies (if appropriate) and Gentlemen - Start Your Engines" coming over the loadspeakers! This May the track will be alive with action getting ready for the annual running of the Indianapolis 500. Though not a huge fan of the Indy car circuit, I'm really glad we took the time to tour the speedway and museum!
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