The racing capital of the world, Indianapolis Indiana.
Today we’re checking out the largest enclosed sporting arena in the world!
Sometimes there’s one of these signs… sometimes there’s not.
Kiss The Bricks
The speedway offers a kiss the bricks tour.
This tour includes one narrated lap around the track and an opportunity to stop at the finish line and walk around.
We get our tickets (button pins)
and hit the track.
Indy 500 racers travel this course, hitting speeds of more than 230 mph!!
We’re cruising along at a more leisurely pace, but imagine the racers ripping by us as we travel the track.
Before long, we make it to the center stage (sort of speak) of this racing venue, the start/finish line.
and we’re ready to kiss the bricks!
The bricks here are original, from 1909! That’s a lot of filth we’ll be kissing.
The entire racing surface was once covered with 3.2 million bricks, before being gradually patched and paved with asphalt.
Kissing the bricks is a tradition for drivers winning the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400.
We’re not Indy winners, but we’re just as cool!
The Pagoda
Located inline with the line of bricks is one of the most recognizable structures in all of motorsports, The Pagoda!
The bottom floor is occupied by technical staff, while the upper floors seat special guests, including a visit from the Vice President of the United States!
Next to the Pagoda is the winner’s circle.
This is where the race winners will stand after completing the race.
The Indy Speedway is steeped in tradition. Another one is for winners to perform doughnuts on the track!
and those things don’t go away.
Neither of us really follow motorsports, so it’s neat to see the track so close and to learn about it’s history.
After a few minutes hanging out, it’s time to get back onto our speed-racer tour bus!
Back At The Museum
Back at the museum are cars, past and present.
Even a photo-op Indy car!!
The first car ever raced on the Indy track:
And… this guy!
Did you know the track is used for more than just racing cars??
How about an airplane race!!! Now that sounds cool!
A Flood Of Children
Looks like the place is getting pretty packed!
1100 school kids are scheduled to come through the museum today.
We got in at a good time, but now it’s time to go!
