Indianapolis Raceway Park
Location
Brownsburg, Indiana, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park - Brownsburg, Indiana
Historic multi-purpose racing venue - home to a short oval, a major drag strip and the NHRA U.S. Nationals
When was the track built?
In 1958, a group of 15 Indianapolis-area businessmen and racing figures each invested $5,000 to create a new motorsport facility. They purchased a 267-acre farm several miles west of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The drag strip was completed first, followed by the road course and paved oval. The venue became known as Indianapolis Raceway Park, commonly shortened to IRP. Its current full name, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, was introduced for the 2022 season.
When did racing begin?
The first run on the drag strip took place on 8 September 1960, with Red Dyer driving the Tennessee Boll Weevil dragster. Organised events followed soon afterwards.
A.J. Foyt won the first oval event in May 1961. The road course held its first professional race the following month, when Augie Pabst won the Hoosier Grand Prix on 25 June.
What's the circuit like?
- Compact paved oval: Laps are short and traffic appears quickly. Drivers must protect their tyres while repeatedly working through slower cars.
- Different racing lines: The oval is wide enough for side-by-side racing, but passing often depends on a strong exit rather than simply having more power.
- Powerful drag racing: The drag strip hosts everything from road cars to Top Fuel machines, which accelerate from rest with several thousand horsepower.
- Close spectator views: Compared with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IRP is smaller and more intimate, allowing fans to remain close to the racing.
What races here?
- NHRA drag racing: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, motorcycles and numerous sportsman categories compete during major meetings.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: The national truck championship races for 200 laps around the oval.
- ARCA Menards Series: A stock-car development championship that frequently shares the NASCAR weekend.
- USAC and pavement open-wheel cars: Silver Crown cars, sprint cars and midgets continue the circuit's long association with American open-wheel racing.
Major events and traditions
- NHRA U.S. Nationals: Known as the Big Go, this multi-day meeting attracts a particularly large field of professional and amateur drag racers.
- NASCAR doubleheader: The Truck Series and ARCA compete on the same day, producing two major oval races in one programme.
- Carb Night and Thursday Night Thunder: Traditional open-wheel meetings featuring fast, lightweight cars on the short oval.
- A.J. Foyt Championship: A season-long competition linking several forms of open-wheel oval racing at IRP.
Why go?
Indianapolis Raceway Park offers two very different forms of motorsport at one venue. On the oval, spectators can follow an entire race from a single seat. At the drag strip, each contest is brief but extremely loud, fast and intense.
The circuit is also an important part of Indianapolis racing history. A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Don Garlits, Jeff Gordon and many other leading drivers have competed here during their careers.
Where's the best place to watch?
- High oval grandstand seats: Best for seeing the complete circuit, pit road and developing battles in traffic.
- Near Turns 1 and 2: Good for overtaking attempts as drivers enter the corner under braking.
- Near Turns 3 and 4: Watch cars struggle for grip before accelerating onto the main straight.
- Drag-strip starting line: The strongest location for experiencing burnouts, launches and the force of the fastest cars.
- Further down the drag strip: Better for appreciating speed as the cars approach the finish line.
Indianapolis Raceway Park is separate from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is located on U.S. Highway 136 near Brownsburg, west of central Indianapolis. Entrance gates and spectator areas differ between oval and drag-racing events, so check the event information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Indianapolis Raceway Park (Indiana)
Indianapolis Raceway Park is west of Indianapolis, near Brownsburg, Indiana. Driving is the easiest way to visit; there is no public bus service to the circuit, although taxis and rideshare services can use designated pickup and drop-off areas.
Driving to the raceway
Driving is the simplest way to reach Indianapolis Raceway Park. The venue sits beside U.S. Highway 136, west of Indianapolis and close to Brownsburg.
- From Indianapolis: head west towards Brownsburg and follow signs for U.S. Highway 136 and the raceway.
- From the airport: allow extra time for the journey, particularly during major race weekends.
- Main entrance: spectator traffic normally enters from U.S. Highway 136/Crawfordsville Road.
- Navigation: search for “Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park” rather than Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Indianapolis Raceway Park and Indianapolis Motor Speedway are two different circuits. Check your navigation before setting off, especially during Indy 500 weekend.
Parking
The raceway has large on-site parking areas, making driving straightforward for most events. The exact parking arrangements depend on which race you are attending.
- Oval events: general parking is free at many race meetings.
- Major events: events such as Formula Drift and the NHRA U.S. Nationals can have separate parking charges.
- Preferred parking: upgraded parking may be offered for selected events.
- Accessible parking: designated ADA parking is provided, although locations can vary by event.
For major meetings, check the event page before travelling rather than assuming normal parking arrangements will apply.
Flying in
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the obvious airport for visitors flying to the raceway. The circuit states that it is approximately 20 miles from the airport.
- Rental car: usually the easiest choice because there is no public bus directly to the circuit.
- Taxi: taxis operate from Indianapolis International Airport and can take you directly to the raceway.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at the airport and can use designated areas at the circuit.
If you are attending several days of racing, a rental car is normally more convenient than arranging separate rides each day.
Public transport & rideshare
Indianapolis Raceway Park is not directly served by the city's public bus network, so visitors without a car need to use a taxi or rideshare for at least part of the journey.
- No direct public bus: the raceway confirms that it is not located on a public bus line.
- Taxi and rideshare: designated pickup and drop-off locations are available at the venue.
- Plan your return: demand can be high when a large event finishes, so allow time for your driver to reach the pickup area.
Walking from Indianapolis or Brownsburg is not a practical alternative. The circuit is designed primarily around visitors arriving by road.
Camping
Camping is available for some events, but the rules depend on the type of race taking place.
- Oval events: free primitive camping is available for many oval meetings.
- NHRA U.S. Nationals: the raceway offers dedicated dry camping during the event.
- Special events: reservations, passes or additional charges may be required.
Always check the page for your individual event before arriving with an RV or planning to stay overnight.
Where to stay
The raceway is close to several areas with accommodation, so you do not need to stay in downtown Indianapolis.
- Brownsburg: the closest and most convenient area for the circuit.
- Avon: another nearby option with hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Plainfield: convenient if you also want to stay close to Indianapolis International Airport.
- Downtown Indianapolis: offers the largest choice of hotels and nightlife but requires a longer drive to the track.
Race-day tips
- Check which track is being used: the facility includes an oval and a drag strip, and different events use different parts of the site.
- Arrive early: traffic on U.S. Highway 136 becomes much heavier for major meetings.
- Bring hearing protection: this is particularly important for NHRA drag racing, which is extremely loud.
- Check parking first: free parking at one event does not mean it will be free at another.
- Save the address: 10267 East U.S. Highway 136, Indianapolis, IN 46234, USA.
For a first visit, driving directly to the circuit is the easiest option. If you are flying in, Indianapolis International Airport and a rental car provide the simplest combination.
Parking prices, camping rules, entrance gates and event-day access can change. Check the official Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park event page before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Indianapolis Raceway Park (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Indianapolis Raceway Park - now officially Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park - gives motorsport fans something very different from the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Its oval and famous drag strip host everything from NASCAR and open-wheel racing to NHRA drag racing, drifting and grassroots events, with Indianapolis attractions only a short drive away.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: The obvious second stop for race fans. The completely renovated museum covers the Indianapolis 500 and Speedway history through historic cars, trophies and interactive exhibits.
- Dallara IndyCar Factory: Explore the engineering behind modern IndyCars through hands-on displays in Speedway, close to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Check opening days before travelling.
- Williams Park: Brownsburg's largest park has trails, open space, a large playground and a seasonal splash pad - useful if younger visitors need a break from racing.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: A must even if you know very little about racing, with exhibits explaining why the Indianapolis 500 is such an important part of American motorsport.
- The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: A huge family museum combining science, history and interactive exhibits. Give it several hours rather than treating it as a quick stop.
- Indiana State Museum: Learn about Indiana's natural and cultural history in downtown Indianapolis, beside White River State Park.
Eat & drink around the circuit
- Brownsburg: The easiest nearby choice for burgers, pizza, Mexican food, cafés and casual American restaurants.
- Speedway Main Street: Combine dinner with a visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Dallara IndyCar Factory.
- Try an Indiana pork tenderloin: This oversized breaded pork sandwich is one of the state's best-known comfort foods and appears on menus across the Indianapolis area.
- Downtown Indianapolis: Best for the widest choice of restaurants, bars and late-night options after racing finishes.
Get outdoors between race days
- B&O Trail: A former railway corridor converted into a flat paved trail through Brownsburg - ideal for an easy walk, run or bike ride.
- Eagle Creek Park: A huge park surrounding Eagle Creek Reservoir with miles of trails, wildlife areas and seasonal water activities.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Even if your race weekend is at IRP, visiting the home of the Indianapolis 500 is essential for motorsport fans.
- Downtown Indianapolis: Combine the Indiana State Museum, White River State Park, monuments, restaurants and other central attractions.
- The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: One of the strongest full-day choices for families, especially if you need an indoor activity.
- McCloud Nature Park: Head farther into Hendricks County for woodland trails, prairie, Big Walnut Creek and a quieter change of scenery.
Good to know during race weekends
- Do not confuse it with Indianapolis Motor Speedway: They are separate venues. Check your ticket carefully before setting your navigation destination.
- A car is the easiest option: The raceway is not served directly by a public bus route, so driving, taxi or rideshare is normally the simplest choice.
- Every event feels different: Oval racing, drag racing and drift events use different parts of the complex and may have different parking, gate and seating arrangements.
- Plan ahead for the U.S. Nationals: The Labor Day drag-racing weekend is one of the venue's largest events, so nearby hotels and roads become much busier.
- Bring hearing protection: Drag racing in particular is extremely loud. Proper ear protection is strongly recommended, especially for children.
Race schedules, admission, parking, event formats, attraction opening hours and transport arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.