So, you're a motorsports fan who's landed in the "Racing Capital of the World." Don't miss the chance to explore all the iconic motorsports destinations and attractions.
We've put together a list of all the places around central Indiana and race fan shouldn't miss. Starting in Hendricks County, Indiana, and including historic sites in Indianapolis, this tour is great for photo ops, grabbing a bite to eat, and even places to play.
Hendricks County
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
Any race fans’ visit to Hendricks County must start at this iconic track in Brownsburg. One of the best weekends to visit Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is Labor Day Weekend when the U.S. Nationals are in town, which is the most prestigious drag racing event in the world.
IRP is also home to an oval which hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event during Brickyard weekend each summer. If you visit at a time when the tracks are quiet, you can drive by the main entrance of the facility on U.S. 136 just east of Brownsburg and turn south on County Road 1000 East to see the grandstands and other parts of the facility from a distance.
Brownsburg Motorsports District
Just two miles west of the track, you'll encounter the heart of racing country with headquarters and shops like Don Schumacher Racing and Vance & Hines.
Be sure to stop at John Force Racing to pay tribute to the late Funny Car driver and mechanic Eric Medlen. As you explore further south on Southpoint Circle, keep an eye out for more motorsports operations. These facilities do not offer public tours, however.
Indiana Racing Memorial Association (IRMA) Markers
You'll notice these racing markers throughout the post — they are similar to historical markers you normally see along the road, but they are racing themed. You can find two in Brownsburg:
- Larry Rice – Near the I-74 interchange in Brownsburg just north of Family Medicine and Specialty Care Services, 1080 N. Green St., you can find this marker honoring Rice who is a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
- Robbie Stanley – Located at the entrance of Williams Park, this memorial honors Stanley, a three-time USAC National Sprint Car Champion.
Marion County
Just east of Hendricks County, Marion County encompasses all of Indianapolis as well as the racing town of Speedway, Indiana. We will of course start with one of the most iconic racing venues in all of motorsports, which is just about 15 minutes from Brownsburg.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
No motorsports driving tour in central Indiana is complete without a stop at the iconic track, especially during major events like the Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard 400.
Even if there's no race, the recently updated main entrance at the roundabout of Crawfordsville Road and 16th Street offers excellent photo ops, and don't miss the IRMA marker at the entrance honoring Tony Hulman.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
While the museum is currently closed for renovations until April 2025, it remains a must-visit destination for motorsports fans and car enthusiasts alike.
Accessible off 16th Street and open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the museum houses an impressive collection of race cars and hundreds of racing displays. Although the museum exhibits are off-limits temporarily, you can still schedule a track tour.
Speedway Indoor Karting
Just a few blocks south of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the town of Speedway's Main Street, you can join in the racing fun. This state-of-the-art, indoor karting facility provides visitors of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to race on various courses including a banked oval.
Other Speedway Main Street Destinations
You need to at least drive down Main Street in Speedway, and after experiencing it in your car, you probably will want to find a place to park and experience it on foot.
There is so much to see and so many photo opportunities, but here are some highlights:
- Dallara IndyCar Factory – Dallara does offer tours during weekdays, but even if you can't make it Monday through Friday, this is still a building worth peeking in the glass to see and get pictures outside.
- Charlie Brown's Pancake & Steak House – This historic restaurant hosts Indy 500 drivers during the month of May and boasts racing memorabilia and other themed decor on its walls.
- Foyt Wine Vault - This upscale restaurant named after racing legend A.J. Foyt serves appetizers, alcohol and boasts an A.J. Foyt race car display.
- Big Woods – Another great restaurant on Main Street with a bar that might look vaguely familiar to Indy 500 fans as they created it in the shape of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. It even faces the same direction as the track.
Notable IRMA Markers
- A.J. Watson - Visit the marker along a trail in Speedway north of USAC Racing at 4910 W. 16th St., dedicated to Watson, famed for his roadster designs that dominated the Indy 500 in the late 1950s and early 60s.
- Chevrolet Family - Find the Chevrolet family marker, in conjunction with new grave markers, using the south entrance of Holy Cross and St. Joseph cemeteries in Indianapolis.
- Crown Hill Racing Legends - Crown Hill Cemetery is a must-visit for racing fans, offering tours from May through October to explore the gravesites of numerous racing legends.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founders - The marker honoring the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located at the James Allison Mansion at Marian University.
For even more information, check out this story about motorsports tracks and attractions near Hendricks County.
