Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Home to the Indy 500
Each year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or also known as the Racing Capital of the World, hosts national and international racing events, including the Indy 500.
Across the globe, when people hear the word “racing,” their first thought is the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since 1909, this historic racetrack has been a destination for high-speed motorsports and a proving ground for automotive innovation. Now, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the undisputed Racing Capital of the World, where hundreds of thousands of people come to witness the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
The Indianapolis 500 holds great prominence in the world of motorsports—and the record for the largest single-day sporting event in the world. Every year, Hoosiers look forward to celebrating the Month of May with community concerts, a mini-marathon, and the iconic 500 Festival Parade. But the Indianapolis 500 is a truly global event, where drivers come from all over the world for a chance at the Borg-Warner Trophy.
The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 saw 33 drivers from 15 different countries, including Japan, Argentina, Switzerland, and Australia. This year’s winner was American, but the last six Indy 500 winners were renowned international drivers, including Takuma Sato and Hélio Castroneves.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is best known for the Indy 500, but they host a variety of national and international racing events throughout the year. This year alone, IMS will be hosting two NASCAR races, another INDYCAR Grand Prix, and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) SportsCar Championship. These events will attract an impressive lineup of decorated drivers, including Alex Palou of Spain, Marcus Ericsson of Sweden, and Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi for his NASCAR debut.
But these prominent names attract more than just race fans. During international racing events, the world turns to Indianapolis, building the city’s reputation and recognition among global media outlets. In 2023, the Indianapolis 500 attracted nearly five million viewers and media coverage from dozens of newspapers and networks. This makes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway an ideal place for auto manufacturers and innovators to showcase their work on the global stage.
In turn, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has made an effort to drive innovation and lead diversity efforts in the world of motorsports. IMS has partnered with INDYCAR on the “Race for Equality and Change,” an initiative designed to support minority communities in the motorsports industry and ultimately diversify the competitive driver field.
The owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Penske Entertainment also introduced the Diverse Leadership in Motorsports Program to provide more opportunities to minority college students interested in pursuing a career in racing. Together, these efforts are broadening the world of motorsports, bridging the equity gap and removing barriers to entry in the global auto industry.
With millions of loyal fans and over a century of history, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has built a reputation that’s known all around the world. That’s why thousands of fans make the pilgrimage to Speedway, Indiana, every year to witness racing history in the making. From the Indianapolis 500 to the Indy Autonomous Challenge, these events truly shine a spotlight on our city and show the world why Indiana is a hub of global tourism and industry.
