Two departure times provide more flexibility for fans who want to commute to the track on their bike on Race Day. Read More>
This partnership represents the first time a major athlete's sponsorship has been decided by a vote using blockchain technology. Read More>
e.l.f. is believed to be the first beauty brand to serve as a primary sponsor for an entry in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as Legge will drive the No. 51 e.l.f. Honda on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read More>
View images from the shortened first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
View images from the once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
Josef Newgarden unveils the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Ticket View Photos>
On this episode of Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles truly goes behind the bricks of the IMS Museum and checks in on the renovation progress. He also gets an exclusive look at the vision of the refreshed Museum, which opens a year from this week. The Museum is a separate entity from IMS and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Consider supporting the Museum by visiting imsmuseum.org Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi talks his chances to win "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" again, adjusting to Arrow McLaren, getting married over the offseason and so much more. Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, IMS President Doug Boles sits down with four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. The modern legend discusses his historic Drive for Five, his transition to an ownership role within Meyer Shank Racing, the loss of his dear friend Gil de Ferran, and more. Watch Video>
September 04, 2013 | By Dave Lewandowski
IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Graham Rahal and Ryan Briscoe participated in a test organized by Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR to gather information about the current road course layouts as IMS considers changes and upgrades. Speedway officials plan to invest nearly $100 million in the facility as part of a long-term master plan that could include modifications to the road course to allow it to accommodate INDYCAR testing or racing in the future. MotoGP and GRAND-AM Road Racing use sections of the infield course for their races at IMS, with MotoGP competing at the track since 2008 on a counter-clockwise (MotoGP) version of the circuit and GRAND-AM since 2012 on a clockwise (Grand Prix) layout. Formula One raced on the IMS road course from 2000-07. “We wanted to evaluate the racetrack as it is,” said Derrick Walker, president of competition and operations, INDYCAR. “There are a number of ideas to improve overtaking and making the racing more interesting perhaps than it was during the Formula One days. I’m not sure the Speedway needs to make monster changes. There could be some alterations that would improve the racing short term, and then if the fans come, you keep doing more and keep doing more. I think you could develop a really unique racetrack out of the infield.” Rahal and Briscoe quickly warmed to the concepts as they logged laps clockwise and counterclockwise, utilizing Turn 1 of the oval and the existing Turn 1 of the Grand Prix road course. “It’s a little different going the opposite way around, but it’s actually not a bad track,” said Rahal, who competed on the Grand Prix layout in Formula BMW in 2004 and Firestone Indy Lights in 2006. “You’re sliding around; there’s not a lot of grip. The track layout as it is, would it be great for passing? There are really only two spots. But that’s why we’re trying a lot of different configurations to analyze and potentially help. “I suggested a few things already, and IMS and INDYCAR want input. When I showed up, I thought we shouldn’t use Turn 1 at Indy. We shouldn’t run on the oval at all. But I think that’s what is going to make the racing so good. If you’re leading on the last lap you’re bound to get passed by anyone within eight carlengths. The tow someone would get down the frontstraight would be massive. “How do you put a quick lap in? Do you set up the car to go for the frontstraight or the infield? That could be an intriguing mix race day. Having a straightaway this long, with the top speed of about 190 (mph), it’s quite a mix. I think that would make the racing extremely exciting here.” Added 2012 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Briscoe: “The track as currently set up has a lot of high-speed corners, and going clockwise gives you a different feel. There are a couple of areas that could be addressed to increase passing zones, which would make the racing great.” A potential IZOD IndyCar Series race on the road course as early as 2014 has been discussed among INDYCAR and IMS officials, which Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing co-owner and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal endorses. “I feel privileged to be a part of (the test day) and excited about the idea,” Bobby Rahal said. “Just as Daytona has a number of events leading up to the ‘500,’ why not Indianapolis with a road course race in early May? I was very much a traditionalist until the stock cars came here. They’ve had Grand Prix races, GRAND-AM races, bike races and even the mini-marathon, and I understand why it’s become a multi-event facility. I’m all for it.” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said he’s heard from ticket-holders who have lobbied for a third race using the road course featuring the IZOD IndyCar Series. “We have a great facility right in the middle of Indianapolis, where many teams are based, so even if you were to use it for testing throughout the season it would be nice to have,” he said. “We think we have a big fan base in Indianapolis that loves to see the Indy cars run. Yes, it’s a break from tradition, not running on the oval, but that’s why we’re here to test. We’ve already heard great things from the drivers, and that’s part of the next step in deciding how we use the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.” The only other time an Indy car was tested on the IMS road course was in fall 2011 when two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon tested the current IZOD IndyCar Series Dallara chassis that debuted in 2012. Wheldon ran the 13-turn layout in clockwise direction only during the session, which was used to develop the car, not for track information purposes. *** 2014 ticket information: Ticket information is available for the three events in 2014 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the 98th Indianapolis 500, Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard and Indianapolis GP. Fans can order tickets at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling (800) 822-INDY or (317) 492-6700 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are available. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.