16. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (317) 484-6784
Address: 4790 W. 16th St.
Description: To test and showcase automobiles at the turn of the 20th century, entrepreneur Carl Graham Fisher and three other investors conceived the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and arranged for its construction. Completed in 1909 and initially paved with bricks—hence, its nickname “the Brickyard”—the 2½-mile oval began to host automobile and motorcycle races. Under the post-World War II ownership of Anton “Tony” Hulman, his grandson, Tony George, and now Hulman’s family, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has grown into the largest spectator sporting facility in the world, with more than 250,000 permanent seats. The Speedway plays host to the Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, the two largest single-day sporting events in the world.
17. Indy Racing Experience
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (888) 357-5002
Description: During this thrilling experience, an Indy Racing League driver pilots an IndyCar that’s been specially built with a second seat. Participants are strapped into the “backseat” and taken for a fast-paced spin around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2½-mile oval. Lap speeds approach an average of 180 mph. There is also a single-seat experience enabling you to be the driver. The Indy Racing Experience also offers the Ultimate Experience—a 3-lap drive followed by a 2-lap ride. The regular ride or drive is $499. The combo is $599. Each driver must be 18 years or older, under 6 feet, 5 inches in height, and under 250 pounds. Check for dates when the experience is offered.
18. Richard Petty Driving Experience
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (800) 237-3889
Description: The Richard Petty Driving Experience takes you one step closer to experiencing firsthand the thrill and excitement of stock-car racing. The program offers several choices. A “ride-along” at $109 lets you ride shotgun in a two-seat NASCAR-style stock car driven by a professional instructor for a 3-lap qualifying run at speeds up to 165 mph. Driving experiences where you get to be in the driver’s seat run from the Rookie Experience (8 laps over one session for $399) to the Brickyard Experience (24 laps over three sessions for $2,199).
19. Fastimes Indoor Karting
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (317) 566-0066
Address: 3455 Harper Rd.
Description: Race European-style karts at speeds in excess of 40 mph at the Midwest’s only indoor, two-level track. Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy this heart-stopping racing excitement. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $20 for an eight-minute race around the track, plus a $2 one-time charge for a head sock to wear under the helmet. Keep the sock and use it next time. A race suit and helmet are provided.
20. Indiana State Fairgrounds
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (317) 927-7500
Address: 1202 E. 38th St.
Description: Used once a year for auto racing, the Indiana State Fairgrounds is part of an annual May tradition with A. J. Foyt’s Hoosier Hundred. Known as the “Track of Champions,” the dirt oval has seen famous drivers such as Foyt, Al Unser, and Tony Stewart compete in the 100-mile event.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 802 S. Kitley Ave.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 10267 E. US 136
23. Whiteland Raceway Park
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (317) 535-7291
Address: 10267 E. US 136
Description: Built in 1958, this outdoor track is the oldest karting track in the country. Many professional drivers got their start at Whiteland Raceway Park, including Tony Stewart and John Andretti. Visitors can rent a kart by a single ride or by the hour and may even see an IndyCar veteran taking a few laps.When racing at Whiteland, the track will be something new nearly every week, with two different layouts running clockwise and counterclockwise. Kart rides cost $12 for six minutes. Helmets are provided at no extra cost. Closed toe shoes, long pants, and sleeved shirts are required. Riders must be at least 16 years old to participate (with parental consent).