For fans of motor racing, there's nowhere quite like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. From legendary cars to secret collections, there's so much to see and do at Indiana's premier motorsports attraction. With 37,500 square feet of exhibition space, this excellent museum has something for everyone.
5 Things to See at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame
Where better to start your visit than the Hall of Fame? Honoring a whole host of legendary drivers, this is the perfect place to begin your journey through racing history. Inductees include legendary racers, like three-time Indy 500 winners A. J Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears.
Promoters and race car owners from throughout the track's history are honored too, allowing visitors a look behind the scenes of history's great races.
2. Indy 500 and Le Mans Winning 1922 Duesenberg
There are thousands of cars in the museum, but one of the most fascinating might be the 1922 Dusenberg. Not only was it the winning car in 1922's Indy 500, but this sleek speed demon was also the champion in the previous year's Le Mans Grand Prix!
Driven by legendary driver Jimmy Murphy, it's a slice of racing history you won't want to miss.
3. Track Tours
When it comes to motorsports, cars aren't the only piece of the puzzle. The track itself is important, too. Inlaid with the magical atmosphere of the thousands of races that have taken place here, stepping out onto the track is an experience like no other. Depending on your preference, you can take an extended two-hour track tour by golf cart or a quicker bus tour with the chance to stop and kiss the famous bricks.
Whichever option you'll choose, you'll get up close and personal with the track like never have before. Accompanied by a professional tour guide with a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes, you'll also have the chance to ask questions and get an expert perspective on the raceway.
4. Indy 500 Pace Cars
Of course, it's the race cars that take most of the attention, and rightfully so. But the Pace Cars which head up each edition of the race, driven by celebrities or former drivers, are a source of excitement and nostalgia for so many racing fans.
There's a wide selection of pace cars in the museum for you to check out and photograph. From the Stoddard-Dayton driven at the very first Indy 500 in 1911, to amazing vehicles from more recent competitions, there are so many historic and interesting pace cars to admire.
5. Basement Collection
The legendary museum basement is packed full of rare cars and motor speedway artifacts, some of which rarely, if ever, make it into the public space above. For years, it was off-limits to all but those lucky few who earned special invites to explore it.
Now, you can enjoy a half-hour guided tour of this mysterious subterranean space. And this basement is a true treasure trove. It's still somewhat secretive, so photography is strictly prohibited. Keep these memories in your mind's eye!
Once you've finished checking out high-powered racing cars, it's time to think about your own vehicle. Stop by Ed Martin Nissan today for a great deal on a new or used car.
