Indianapolis Motor Speedway facts for kids
| The "Brickyard" IMS |
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway aerial in 2016
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| Location | Speedway, Indiana |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (UTC−04:00 DST) |
| Coordinates | 39°47′54″N 86°13′58″W / 39.79833°N 86.23278°W |
| Capacity | 257,325 (permanent seats) – 400,000 grand total |
| FIA Grade | 1 (F1) 2 (IndyCar) |
| Owner | Penske Entertainment Group (2020–present) Hulman & Company (1945–2019) Eddie Rickenbacker (1927–1945) Carl G. Fisher (1909–1927) |
| Operator | IMS, LLC (subsidiary of Penske Entertainment Group) |
| Address | 4790 West 16th Street |
| Broke ground | March 15, 1909 |
| Opened | August 14, 1909 |
| Construction cost | US$3 million ($86 million 2021 dollars) |
| Architect | Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Frank H. Wheeler, Arthur C. Newby |
| Major events | Current:
Former:
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Rectangular Oval Track (1909–present)  |
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| Surface | Asphalt and brick (start-finish line) |
| Length | 2.500 mi (4.023 km) |
| Turns | 4 |
| Banking | Turns: 9.2° Straights: 0° |
| Race lap record | 0:38.119 ( Eddie Cheever, Lola T95/00, 1996, IndyCar) |
Grand Prix Road Course (2014–present)  |
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| Surface | Asphalt and brick (start-finish line) |
| Length | 2.439 mi (3.925 km) |
| Turns | 14 |
| Race lap record | 1:09.3888 ( Josef Newgarden, Dallara DW12, 2017, IndyCar) |
Modified Motorcycle Course (2014–present)  |
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| Surface | Asphalt and brick |
| Length | 2.591 mi (4.170 km) |
| Turns | 16 |
| Race lap record | 1:32.625 ( Marc Márquez, Honda RC213V, 2015, MotoGP) |
| SCCA Runoffs Road Course (2014–present) | |
| Surface | Asphalt and brick (start-finish line) |
| Length | 2.589 mi (4.166 km) |
| Turns | 15 |
| Race lap record | 1:30.650 ( James French, Ralt RT41, 2021, Formula Atlantic) |
| Original Motorcycle Course (2008–2013) | |
| Surface | Asphalt and brick |
| Length | 2.621 mi (4.218 km) |
| Turns | 16 |
| Race lap record | 1:39.044 ( Marc Márquez, Honda RC213V, 2013, MotoGP) |
| Grand Prix Road Course (2008–2013) | |
| Surface | Asphalt and brick (start-finish line) |
| Length | 2.534 mi (4.078 km) |
| Turns | 13 |
| Race lap record | 1:22.191 ( Scott Pruett, Riley MkXXVI, 2013, DP) |
| Grand Prix Road Course (2000–2007) | |
| Surface | Asphalt and brick (start-finish line) |
| Length | 2.605 mi (4.192 km) |
| Turns | 13 |
| Race lap record | 1:10.399 ( Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari F2004, 2004, F1) |
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway under construction
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | 4790 W. 16th St., Speedway, Indiana |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Andrews, Park Taliaferro |
| Architectural style | Motor racing circuit |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000044 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | March 7, 1975 |
| Designated NHLD | February 27, 1987 |
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a famous car racing track in Speedway, Indiana, USA. This town is a suburb of Indianapolis. It is the home of the exciting Indianapolis 500 race and the Brickyard 400. It also used to host the United States Grand Prix for Formula One and the Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix for motorcycles. The track is about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of downtown Indianapolis.
Built in 1909, it was one of the first special tracks made for racing cars. It was the idea of Carl G. Fisher, who wanted a place to test new cars. The Speedway is the third oldest permanent car race track in the world. With over 257,000 permanent seats, it is the largest sports venue in the world.
The track is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) oval shape. It has two long straight sections and four turns. These turns are slightly banked, meaning they are tilted to help cars go faster. In 2000, a modern road course was added inside the oval. This course uses part of the oval track. The road course was changed in 2008 and 2014 for motorcycle races and to make racing better. The entire area of the Speedway is huge, covering over 559 acres (2.26 km²). It was named a special historic place in 1975 and 1987. It is the only place like it linked to car racing history.
Besides the Indianapolis 500, the Speedway also hosts NASCAR races like the Brickyard 400 and Pennzoil 250. The track is often called "The Brickyard" because it used to be paved with bricks. People also call it the "Racing Capital of the World." The garage area is known as Gasoline Alley.
The Speedway is owned by Roger Penske's company, Penske Entertainment Corp. This company bought it in 2019. Before that, the Hulman family owned it for many years.
Contents
History of the Speedway
Building the Track
In 1905, businessman Carl G. Fisher had an idea to build a race track. He saw that car testing and racing on public roads was dangerous. He wanted a safe place for car makers to test their vehicles. Fisher imagined a large, smooth, circular track. He visited the Brooklands track in England in 1907, which had banked turns. This made him even more determined to build his own speedway.
Fisher found a flat piece of farmland near Indianapolis. In 1908, he teamed up with James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby, and Frank H. Wheeler to buy the land. They started the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company in March 1909.
Construction began in March 1909. Fisher had to make the track a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) oval instead of a 3-mile (4.8 km) one to make space for grandstands. Hundreds of workers and machines helped shape the land. The track was first covered with gravel, limestone, and tar. Workers also built grandstands for 12,000 people and an 8-foot (2.4 m) fence.
The first event at the Speedway was a balloon race in June 1909. The first motorsport event was motorcycle races in August 1909. However, these races stopped early because the track surface was not safe for motorcycles.
On August 19, 1909, car races began. The track surface caused problems, with dirt, oil, and ruts forming. During a 250-mile (400 km) race, a car crashed, killing the driver and his mechanic. Another crash on the third day killed two spectators and a mechanic. Because of these dangers, racing officials stopped future events until the track was made safer.
The "Brickyard" is Born
Fisher and his partners decided to pave the track with bricks. Five Indiana companies supplied 3.2 million bricks. Each brick was laid by hand over sand, then leveled, and the gaps were filled with mortar. A concrete wall was also built around the track to protect fans.
The last "gold" brick was laid in a special ceremony. Locals started calling the track The Brickyard. Today, a 3-foot (0.91 m) section of the original bricks can still be seen at the start-finish line.
Racing returned in 1910 with 66 car races held over three holiday weekends. In 1910, the Speedway also hosted an aviation event. The famous Wright brothers were there, and Walter Brookins set a world record by flying a plane up to 4,938 feet (1,505 m).
The Indianapolis 500 Begins
A big change happened in 1911: the Speedway decided to hold only one major race a year. This was the first 500-mile (800 km) race, held on May 30, 1911. About 80,000 people watched. Ray Harroun won the race. He was the only driver without a riding mechanic, and he used a rear-view mirror for the first time in a car.
The 1912 race was very exciting. Ralph DePalma was leading by a lot but his car broke down near the end. Joe Dawson then won the race. European drivers won many of the early Indy 500 races, making the Speedway famous worldwide. The 1916 race was shorter due to World War I.
From 1917 to 1918, during World War I, the Speedway was used by the military. Racing started again after the war, and speeds quickly increased. In 1925, Pete DePaolo was the first driver to average over 100 mph (160 km/h) for the entire race.
In 1926, the area around the track became its own town, called Speedway, Indiana. In 1927, Carl G. Fisher sold the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker, a famous flying ace from World War I. Rickenbacker added a golf course inside the track.
Changes and Challenges (1930s-1990s)
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, prize money for races went down. Rules were changed to encourage more car manufacturers to enter the race. In 1931, Dave Evans drove his diesel car for the whole 500 miles without a pit stop.
By the early 1930s, rising speeds made the track more dangerous. Many accidents happened. So, parts of the brick track were paved with tarmac. Safety changes were also made, like removing inside walls in corners and making hard crash helmets required. A yellow light system was also installed around the track. Despite the dangers, Louis Meyer and Wilbur Shaw became the first drivers to win the Indy 500 three times. Shaw was also the first to win two years in a row (1939 and 1940).
In 1941, part of the "Gasoline Alley" garage area burned down. The 1942 race was canceled because of World War II. The track was left unused and fell apart during the war.
Many people thought the Speedway would be sold for houses after the war. But in 1945, three-time winner Wilbur Shaw found Terre Haute businessman Tony Hulman to buy it. Hulman bought the Speedway and quickly made repairs for the 1946 race. Since then, the Speedway has grown, with new stands, museums, and other improvements.
In the 1950s, cars reached speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The Indy 500 became part of the Formula One World Championship from 1950 to 1960. However, most F1 drivers did not race at Indy. The 1950s were also a very dangerous time for racing in America.
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In 1961, most of the remaining bricks on the track were paved over with asphalt. Only a 3-foot (0.91 m) line of bricks at the start-finish line was left. This is why it's called the "Yard of Bricks." In the 1960s, Formula One drivers started coming to Indy. The new rear-engine car design, first used by the Cooper F1 team, changed the Indy 500. These cars were smaller and had better handling.
A. J. Foyt won in 1964, which was the last win for a front-engine car. Since Jim Clark won in a rear-engine car in 1965, all winners have driven rear-engine cars. Famous American drivers like A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and the Unser brothers (Bobby and Al) became stars. Foyt and Al Unser each won the race four times.
In 1977, Janet Guthrie made history as the first female driver to race in the Indy 500. Also in 1977, A. J. Foyt became the first driver to win the race four times.
The 1980s brought new racing stars like Rick Mears, who won the race four times and set speed records. Other stars included Danny Sullivan and Bobby Rahal. The 1989 race was a thrilling duel that came down to the last lap.
In the early 1990s, Arie Luyendyk won the fastest Indy 500 race at that time. Rick Mears became the third four-time winner in 1991. In 1992, Al Unser Jr. won by the closest margin in race history, just 0.043 seconds! In 1996, the Indy 500 became part of the new Indy Racing League.
Modern Era (2000s-Present)
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In the early 2000s, drivers from the rival CART series started racing in the Indianapolis 500. In 2000, Juan Pablo Montoya won the race as a rookie. The next year, Hélio Castroneves also won as a rookie. Castroneves won again in 2002.
In 2003, the Indy Lights Series, a smaller racing series, started holding a race called the Freedom 100 on the oval track. This was the first May race at the track besides the Indy 500 since 1910.
Buddy Rice was the first American driver to win the Indy 500 since 1998, in a rain-shortened race in 2004. In 2005, Danica Patrick became the first female driver to lead a lap in the Indianapolis 500. Dan Wheldon won that year.
Sam Hornish Jr. made history in 2006 by taking the lead on the very last lap to win. Dario Franchitti became the first Scottish winner since 1965 in 2007.
In 2008, the Champ Car series merged with the IRL, creating a unified IndyCar Series. Scott Dixon from New Zealand won the Indy 500 that year. In 2009, Hélio Castroneves won his third Indy 500. Danica Patrick also had her best finish ever, coming in third place.
The 2010s saw many international winners. Dario Franchitti won again in 2010 and 2012, and Dan Wheldon won in 2011. Brazilian Tony Kanaan won in 2013. Then, American Ryan Hunter-Reay won in 2014, ending a streak of foreign winners.
Juan Pablo Montoya returned to win his second Indy 500 in 2015, fifteen years after his first win. In 2016, rookie Alexander Rossi won by saving fuel. The 2017 race saw former Formula One champion Fernando Alonso compete and lead laps. Takuma Sato became the first Japanese and Asian winner of the event that year. In 2018, Will Power became the first Australian to win, and in 2019, Simon Pagenaud became the first French winner since 1920.
In 2020, the Speedway was sold to Penske Entertainment Corp., owned by Roger Penske. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Indianapolis 500 was held in August instead of May. Takuma Sato won for the second time. In 2021, Hélio Castroneves won his fourth Indy 500, joining A. J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr., and Rick Mears as four-time winners.
Different Track Layouts
Since 2000, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has used different road course layouts for various races.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Layout History
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Original Speedway (1909–present)
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Original Formula One Grand Prix Circuit (2000–2007)
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Modified Grand Prix Circuit (2008–2013)
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Original Motorcycle Circuit (2008–2013)
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Speedway (2008–2013)
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IndyCar Grand Prix Circuit (2014–present)
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Modified Motorcycle Circuit (2014–present)
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Speedway (2014–present)
Other Racing Events
NASCAR Races
For many years, the Indianapolis 500 was the only race held at the Speedway. In 1994, the Brickyard 400 for NASCAR cars made its debut. It had the largest crowd and prize money in NASCAR history at the time.
Since 2012, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has also raced at the Speedway. In 2020, the Xfinity race moved to the infield road course. The NASCAR Cup Series race also moved to the road course in 2021 and was renamed the Verizon 200.
Formula One Races
In 1998, Tony George helped bring Formula One racing back to the United States. The Speedway built a new infield road course, new pit garages, and a new Pagoda building. The first United States Grand Prix was held there in 2000. Over 200,000 fans attended, making it a huge success.
However, the Formula One races had some problems. In 2005, a big controversy happened when most teams pulled out of the race due to tire safety concerns. Only six cars raced, which made many fans upset. The race was removed from the Formula One calendar after 2007.
MotoGP Races
From 2008 to 2015, the Speedway hosted a round of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. This was the first motorcycle race at the track since 1909. The road course was changed to fit the motorcycles, running counter-clockwise like the oval races.
Motorcycle racing returned to the Speedway in 2019 with the MotoAmerica Championship.
IndyCar Grand Prix
Since 2014, the IndyCar Series has held a race on the road course in early May. This race, called the IndyCar Grand Prix, helps kick off the month of events leading up to the Indianapolis 500. The road course was changed again to make it better for Indy cars and fans.
Vintage Racing
The Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational is a race event for old, classic race cars. It is held on the road course in June. The event also includes special shows of historic Indy cars on the oval track. A fun part of the weekend is the annual Indy Legends Charity Pro–Am race.
Autonomous Car Racing
In October 2021, the Speedway hosted the first race with fully self-driving race cars. University teams from around the world created software for these cars. They used special Dallara Indy Lights vehicles with sensors and computers. The team from the Technical University of Munich won the competition.
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
The Speedway also has a golf course called "Brickyard Crossing." From 1960 to 1968, it hosted a professional golf tournament. In 1993, the course was rebuilt and designed by famous golf architect Pete Dye. It has 18 holes, with 14 outside the track and four inside, including a lake. It has also hosted other golf tournaments.
Other Events at IMS
- The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, a half marathon race, happens every May. Runners complete one lap around the track.
- In August 1987, the Speedway hosted the opening ceremonies for the 1987 Pan American Games.
- The Speedway has hosted balloon festivals and small USAC midget car races.
- In 2012, the Pagoda building hosted an event for the Super Bowl XLVI.
- From 2016 to 2018, IMS hosted rounds of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
- From 2016 to 2019, the Speedway had a Christmas lights drive-through event.
- In April 2020, the Speedway hosted its first funeral service for a police officer.
- In May 2020, it hosted a food drive to help people in need.
- In May 2020, Speedway Senior High School held its graduation ceremony at IMS so students could social distance.
- In March 2021, IMS hosted mass vaccination clinics for the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In May 2022, the Speedway hosted its first naturalization ceremony for new citizens.
- In April 2024, the Speedway held an eclipse-viewing event with Purdue University.
- In May 2025, the Speedway and Oscar Mayer hosted the Wienie 500, a race with six Wienermobiles.
List of Events
- Current Events
- May: IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 & Sonsio Grand Prix, Indy NXT Grand Prix of Indianapolis, USF Pro 2000 Championship, USF2000 Championship
- June: Sportscar Vintage Racing Association Indy Legends Charity Pro–Am race, Formula Regional Americas Championship, Ferrari Challenge North America
- July: NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400, NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250
- September: IMSA SportsCar Championship IMSA Battle on the Bricks, Michelin Pilot Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America
- October: Intercontinental GT Challenge Indianapolis 8 Hour, GT World Challenge America, GT America Series, GT4 America Series, TC America Series, Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup North America
- Former Events
- Formula One
- Indianapolis 500 (1950–1960)
- United States Grand Prix (2000–2007)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing
- Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix (2008–2015)
- IndyCar Series
- Gallagher Grand Prix (2020–2023)
- Indy Autonomous Challenge (2021, 2024)
- Indy Lights
- Freedom 100 (2003–2019)
- International Race of Champions
- IROC at Indy (1998–2003)
- MotoAmerica
- MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard (2015, 2020)
- NASCAR Cup Series
- Verizon 200 at the Brickyard (2021–2023)
- NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Pennzoil 150 (2020–2023)
- Rolex Sports Car Series
- Brickyard Grand Prix (2012–2013)
- SCCA National Championship Runoffs (2017, 2021)
- Trans-Am Series (2017–2019, 2023)
Track Headquarters
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is very important to American Championship car racing. Many racing teams and suppliers are based near Indianapolis, some just blocks from the track. The current racing body, IndyCar, has its headquarters right across the street.
The track is sometimes called "16th & Georgetown" because of its location at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown Road. The words "Indy" and "Indy car" come from the nickname for the city of Indianapolis.
Records at the Speedway
Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar Series) Records
| Type | Distance | Date | Driver | Time | Average speed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laps | mi. | km | mph | km/h | ||||
| Practice | 1 | 2.5 | 4.0 | May 10, 1996 |  Arie Luyendyk |
0:37.6160 | 239.260 | 385.052 |
| Pole (First Qualifying) | 4 | 10 | 16.1 | May 19, 2024 |  Scott McLaughlin |
2:33.7017 | 234.220 | 376.940 |
| Race | 1 | 2.5 | 4.0 | May 26, 1996 | Eddie Cheever |
0:38.119 | 236.103 | 379.971 |
| Race | 200 | 500 | 804.7 | May 30, 2021 | Hélio Castroneves |
2:37:19.3846 | 190.690 | 306.886 |
Brickyard 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) Records
| Type | Distance | Date | Driver | Time | Average speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying (1 lap) |
2.5 miles (4.0 km) | July 26, 2014 | Kevin Harvick | 0:47.647 | 188.888 mph (303.986 km/h) |
| Race (1 lap) |
2.5 miles (4.0 km) | September 10, 2018 | Kevin Harvick | 0:48.638 | 185.041 mph (297.795 km/h) |
| Race (160 laps) |
400 miles (640 km) | August 5, 2000 | Bobby Labonte | 2:33:55.979 | 155.912 mph (250.916 km/h) |
United States Grand Prix (Formula One) Records
| Type | Distance | Date | Driver | Time | Average speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race (1 lap) |
2.605 miles (4.192 km) | June 20, 2004 | Rubens Barrichello |
1:10.399 | 133.207 mph (214.376 km/h) |
| Race (73 laps) |
190.165 miles (306.041 km) | June 19, 2005 |  Michael Schumacher |
1:29:43.181 | 127.173 mph (204.665 km/h) |
Grand Prix of Indianapolis (IndyCar Series) Records
| Type | Distance | Date | Driver | Time | Average speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying* (1 lap) |
2.439 miles (3.925 km) | May 12, 2017 |  Will Power |
1:07.7044 | 129.687 mph (208.711 km/h) |
| Race (1 lap) |
2.439 miles (3.925 km) | May 13, 2017 | Josef Newgarden |
1:09.3888 | 126.539 mph (203.645 km/h) |
| Race (85 laps) |
207.315 miles (333.641 km) | May 13, 2017 | Will Power |
1:42:57.6108 | 120.813 mph (194.430 km/h) |
| * All-time track record, IMS reconfigured (2014) road course | |||||
Fastest Race Laps
As of July 2025, here are some of the fastest official race lap records at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oval Track: 4.023 km (1909–present) | ||||
| IndyCar | 0:38.119 | Eddie Cheever |
Lola T95/00 | 1996 Indianapolis 500 |
| NASCAR Cup Series | 0:48.638 | Kevin Harvick |
Ford Fusion | 2018 Brickyard 400 |
| Current Grand Prix Circuit: 3.925 km (2014–present) | ||||
| IndyCar | 1:09.3888 | Josef Newgarden |
Dallara DW12 | 2017 IndyCar Grand Prix |
| GT3 | 1:22.439 |  Raffaele Marciello |
Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo | 2022 Indianapolis 8 Hours |
| NASCAR Cup Series | 1:29.168 | Chase Elliott |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 2023 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard |
| Modified Motorcycle Circuit: 4.170 km (2014–present) | ||||
| MotoGP | 1:32.625 | Marc Márquez |
Honda RC213V | 2015 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix |
| Original Grand Prix Circuit: 4.192 km (2000–2007) | ||||
| Formula One | 1:10.399 | Rubens Barrichello |
Ferrari F2004 | 2004 United States Grand Prix |
Oval Track Dimensions
| Region | Number | Distance | Width | Banking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long straightaways | 2 | 0.625 miles (1.006 km) each | 50 feet (15 m) | 0° |
| Short straightaways | 2 | 0.125 miles (0.201 km) each | 50 feet (15 m) | 0° |
| Turns | 4 | 0.250 miles (0.402 km) each | 60 feet (18 m) | 9°12' |
| Total/average | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) | 55 feet (17 m) | 3°3' |
Weather at the Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a changing climate. It gets influences from both warm, humid weather and colder, continental weather. The nearest weather station is at the Indianapolis International Airport, close to the track.
Winters are cold with snow, so testing is not possible then. In late May, when the Indy 500 happens, the weather is changing from spring to summer. May is often the rainiest month, so rain delays can happen during events. Temperatures are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius), but can reach the 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius).
For the Brickyard 400 in the summer, it can be very hot. The rainy season continues into July.
Road course races, like the IndyCar Grand Prix, can be held in wet conditions. This is different from oval races, which are not run in the rain.
| Climate data for Indianapolis (Indianapolis International Airport), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1871–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 71 (22) |
76 (24) |
85 (29) |
90 (32) |
96 (36) |
104 (40) |
106 (41) |
103 (39) |
100 (38) |
91 (33) |
81 (27) |
74 (23) |
106 (41) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 58.3 (14.6) |
63.3 (17.4) |
75.3 (24.1) |
81.4 (27.4) |
86.2 (30.1) |
91.9 (33.3) |
93.6 (34.2) |
92.5 (33.6) |
89.8 (32.1) |
82.1 (27.8) |
71.3 (21.8) |
59.8 (15.4) |
94.8 (34.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 35.6 (2.0) |
40.2 (4.6) |
51.7 (10.9) |
63.4 (17.4) |
72.8 (22.7) |
81.9 (27.7) |
85.0 (29.4) |
84.0 (28.9) |
77.6 (25.3) |
65.3 (18.5) |
52.2 (11.2) |
38.9 (3.8) |
62.4 (16.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 20.5 (−6.4) |
23.9 (−4.5) |
32.8 (0.4) |
42.7 (5.9) |
52.6 (11.4) |
62.1 (16.7) |
65.8 (18.8) |
64.4 (18.0) |
56.2 (13.4) |
44.7 (7.1) |
35.1 (1.7) |
24.4 (−4.2) |
43.8 (6.6) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −2.5 (−19.2) |
3.4 (−15.9) |
14.9 (−9.5) |
26.6 (−3.0) |
37.7 (3.2) |
48.2 (9.0) |
55.0 (12.8) |
53.8 (12.1) |
40.6 (4.8) |
29.6 (−1.3) |
20.0 (−6.7) |
3.3 (−15.9) |
−7.8 (−22.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −27 (−33) |
−21 (−29) |
−7 (−22) |
18 (−8) |
28 (−2) |
37 (3) |
46 (8) |
41 (5) |
30 (−1) |
20 (−7) |
−5 (−21) |
−23 (−31) |
−27 (−33) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.66 (68) |
2.32 (59) |
3.56 (90) |
3.81 (97) |
5.05 (128) |
4.25 (108) |
4.55 (116) |
3.13 (80) |
3.12 (79) |
3.12 (79) |
3.70 (94) |
3.17 (81) |
42.44 (1,078) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 8.6 (22) |
6.5 (17) |
2.6 (6.6) |
0.2 (0.51) |
trace | 0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.4 (1.0) |
0.7 (1.8) |
6.9 (18) |
25.9 (66) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 12.1 | 10.0 | 11.9 | 12.0 | 13.1 | 11.1 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 10.8 | 12.5 | 129.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 7.5 | 5.4 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 6.3 | 23.5 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 75.0 | 73.6 | 69.9 | 65.6 | 67.1 | 68.4 | 72.8 | 75.4 | 74.4 | 71.6 | 75.5 | 78.0 | 72.3 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 132.1 | 145.7 | 178.3 | 214.8 | 264.7 | 287.2 | 295.2 | 273.7 | 232.6 | 196.6 | 117.1 | 102.4 | 2,440.4 |
| Percent possible sunshine | 44 | 49 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 65 | 64 | 62 | 57 | 39 | 35 | 55 |
| Source: NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990) | |||||||||||||
See also
In Spanish: Indianapolis Motor Speedway para niños
- Donald Davidson – historian of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- List of attractions and events in Indianapolis
- List of auto racing tracks in the United States
- List of motor racing venues by capacity
- List of IndyCar Series racetracks
- List of NASCAR tracks
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Indiana
