Indianapolis Motor Speedway

For the true motorsport fan, the mere mention of the Brickyard will automatically set the pulse to FAST. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway gets its famous nickname from the yard of bricks that still indicates the starting line, part of the old brick track that has nostalgically been retained within the modern asphalt.

This iconic venue has been the setting for some of the most spectacular races in history and has welcomed the world’s best drivers since it first opened in 1909. Now a National Historic Landmark, visitors can find out more about its triumphs and disasters in the Hall of Fame Museum, which also houses a vast collection of racing cars, motorbikes and memorabilia.

One of the undisputed highlights of the motorsport season is the Indianapolis 500, or Indy 500, which takes place every May. The race itself is also an excuse for a giant party, as 250,000 fans cram into the stands to watch top drivers tackle the fiendishly fast oval circuit. Each July, the pace hots up again for the NASCAR Brickyard 400, while two wheels rule in August for the popular Red Bull Motorbike GP. If you can’t bag a ticket for one of the big days, consider going along to one of the practice or qualifying sessions, which can be just as exciting as the race itself, as well as a cheaper way to see some live on-track action.

Outside of race weekends, there’s still plenty to see and do. Take a bus tour around the circuit to view the Pagoda timing suite, the yard of bricks, and the victory podium where many famous drivers have enjoyed a champagne celebration. You might even be inspired to follow in their wheel tracks by signing up for the Indy Racing Experience, which culminates in a thrilling lap in a real racing car just like the ones that regularly compete here. There’s also an 18-hole golf course and a licensed restaurant on site, where you can slow down at the end of your high-octane day.

During the race season there are shuttle services from the city centre, which is situated in the suburb of Speedway – named after the racetrack, the first ever to be called a speedway. Campsites and hotels close to the track can book up quickly, so plan ahead if you want to stay near the action.