Final practice, air demonstrations and music acts round out schedule Friday, May 24 at IMS. Read More>
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>
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>
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway prides itself on its fire rescue and medical response teams that arrive to the scene of an accident within seconds. But how do they get that good? On Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles takes you through the annual Motorsports Safety Training at IMS, which features specific training scenarios for INDYCAR, NASCAR, IMSA and more to make sure every driver at IMS is safe. Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson sits down with Doug Boles to talk about the pain of coming so close to scoring back-to-back wins, how he wanted to compete on ovals after his Formula 1 career and the transition to Andretti Global. Watch Video>
Why does Scott McLaughlin move his hands around so much in the car? What "button" is he pushing? What's the pressure of the iconic Yellow Submarine like? We cover that and so much more with Scott McLaughlin on the latest Doug and Drivers. Watch Video>
January 27, 2016 | By Katie Cavin
The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is right around the corner, so we’re showcasing race fans sharing their stories of “Why I Love My Seat” – fans that have been ticketholders for 30 years or longer. Fans of all durations are encouraged to email fanmemories@brickyard.com with their stories of attending the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Faith Kidwell, living in Florida, will be attending her 30th Indianapolis 500 this May. Kidwell is a retired property manager, but during the month of May, she wears a yellow shirt and works in front of the IMS Media Center. Where we sit: Last time I sat and watched a race, it was in the J Stand. One year, I was lucky enough to watch from the ABC suite. Last year's race, I got to see some from Tower Terrace, some from the pits and some on the television feed at the Media Center. First “500”: My first “500” was in 1987. We got there on Carb Day and planned to sleep in the back of the pickup truck. We met several of my husband's friends there. On Friday, I decided it would be a smart thing to do to play football with some young guys. I went out to catch a pass and tore the ligaments in my knee. I made a trip to Methodist Hospital on Friday and another on Saturday. The doctor said he could operate then but I would miss the race. I chose the race. Our scalped tickets were high up in our stand and I couldn't get up there with my crutches. I leaned on a ticket barrel for the entire race. The vantage point wasn't very good, actually I could only see a blur when the cars went by. But I swear, it was the smell of methanol that got into my blood. That race made me a fan for life. Race Day routine: Before I started wearing a yellow shirt, we always camped at the track. We camped with a group of friends and someone always made breakfast on the grill. In the squad: I go to the race with my spouse, but we meet our very good friends there. My daughter and her husband attend almost every year too. What we bring: We pack a couple of sandwiches and some soft drinks. Never beer, because it's too far to the restrooms and I don't want to miss any action. We bring padded seats too. Favorite “500”: There are so many good ones, it's hard to choose. The one that stands out right now was Dan Wheldon's win in 2011. Dan was such a good guy and it was a surprise win. Brush with greatness: I have been lucky enough to meet all the current drivers. One encounter with A.J. Foyt comes to mind. It was during the first F1 race at IMS. I was supposed to be watching a gate to make sure no one went through it. Foyt was walking by, mumbling about how hard it was to get into the Garage area. I opened my gate and let him through. Favorite Memory: May 24, 1996, the day before the race, I got married in Dick Simon's suite. I'm not sure how that all got pulled together, but Indianapolis broadcaster Don Kay, whom I had never met before, arranged it for me. Many of our friends traveled from the northeast to go to the wedding and the race, of course. My wedding dress was white satin, lined with black and white check. My husband wore a black and white checkered vest. We toasted with milk bottles given to us by the Indiana Dairy Association. Favorite drivers from the past: A.J. Foyt and Dan Wheldon Favorite drivers today: James Hinchcliffe and Josef Newgarden What the Indianapolis 500 means to us: I'm spending the month of May at the track. Literally living there, in the employee campground. I expect several of my friends who have missed a year or two, to be back this year. My daughter and I are planning to do something we've never done before, go to the parade! In 2003, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His wish was "just one more Indy." He got his wish and passed away July 1, 2003. We had a memorial service for him, with our race friends and family, the following May. His ashes were spread in Lot 2, on the Georgetown Road Bridge, on the start/finish line and in A.J. Foyt's garage. My family's newest race fan was born 9 months after the 2004 race. She's already been to an IndyCar race and planning to attend her second race in Boston this year. It may be a while before she attends the 500-miler, but that day will come.