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>
February 12, 2016 | By Katie Cavin
The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is right around the corner, so we’re showcasing race fans and their stories of “Why I Love the Infield” – fans from recent years that are 30 years or under. All fans are encouraged to email fanmemories@brickyard.com with their stories of attending the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Kayla Medaris, from New Palestine, Indiana, will be attending her third Indianapolis 500 this May. Medaris, 20, attends Anderson University. Where we sit: We sat in Tower Terrace the first two years, but last year we went into the infield and the Snake Pit and sat in the Northeast Vista. First “500”: My first “500” was the year Dan Wheldon won (2011). It was insanely hot that year and I went with my uncle Todd. It was such a cool experience being in that atmosphere. Race Day routine: We wake up super early, make lunch and snacks, pack the car with coolers and snack bags and then try and beat the traffic. Once we find a place to park, we walk into the track and explore before sitting in our seats. Last year, we spent the whole morning in the Snake Pit, then visited some friends in the infield for the beginning of the race. In the squad: I go with my boyfriend and his family. What we bring: We bring our cooler, snacks, and sunscreen. The heat gets pretty brutal in Turn 3. In the infield: I love how carefree everyone is. Race Day is treated as a holiday and everyone is there to celebrate! Favorite memory: My favorite memory is 2011 when Wheldon won. I had met him the night before the race. He was my favorite driver and always will be my favorite. Brush with greatness: I first met Wheldon at the Carb Night Burger Bash in 2009, an event Curt Cavin of the IndyStar puts on where drivers come talk live on his radio show in front of many fans! Dan had always been my favorite driver and of course I thought he was adorable. Plus, who doesn’t love that accent? We stood in line for a photo with him and got to chat with him. He was incredibly nice and my love for him only got stronger. The second time I met him was in 2011. Everyone rushed to him so I was so upset that I wasn’t going to meet him again. But, my mom and I ran over to see him and she said, “Dan, this is Kayla. She’s in love with you!” And of course, I was so excited that I didn’t know what to say. I was starstruck. He and I got a picture together and we chatted for a minute. It was one of the happiest moments of my life to be honest. In the next several years, I also met Tony Kanaan who was so nice and genuine when meeting his fans. Favorite drivers from the past: Wheldon Favorite drivers today: Kanaan What the Indianapolis 500 means to us: It’s a time to be a true American. As a young adult, you find as many American-flag themed clothes you can. You see guys in cut-off jean shorts, bucket hats, and USA T-shirts. You see women in crop tops, short jean shorts, baseball caps, and big sunglasses. Both are ready to head to the Snake Pit to start the day off right. This day is filled with coolers, beer, lawn chairs, music, tan lines and pure fun. Everyone here may disagree about the best drivers, but our love for America and IMS unites us, which can be seen during the playing of the National Anthem and the chanting of “USA! USA!” coming from the college kids in the infield.