Lucas Oil Raceway

Home to one of America’s most famous auto races, the Indy 500, Indianapolis’ 4-wheeled pedigree runs deep. Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is part of that legacy, originally constructed in 1960. With a quarter-mile (half-kilometer) drag strip and a paved oval track, more than 100 racing events take place here every year.

Roughly 500,000 people make their way to the park annually—either for a day in the stands or camping out for a long, high-speed weekend. Depending on the event, it could be 12-year-olds testing their moxie, or it could be NASCAR’s top racecar drivers, right in the pit waiting to tell fans hello.

• Camping onsite (with a reservation) is open to RVs, campers, and tents.

• All tickets should be bought in advance, especially for big-ticket races like NASCAR.

• Small coolers are allowed onsite, so pack that picnic (without alcohol, that is).

• For smaller events, parking is often free; for larger events, expect to pay to park in the lot.

• You might want to pack those earplugs, as races get loud.

The Lucas Oil Raceway is in Brownsburg, Indiana, right off US 136 and just northwest of Indianapolis. Most visitors will get to the park in their own private vehicles, though you could nab a taxi or rideshare like Uber or Lyft. Plentiful parking is available onsite, as is overnight camping.

Most fans will aim to get to their event at least 30 minutes before the posted time. Follow suit, and you’ll have plenty of time to park, find your seat, visit the concession stand for a snack, and maybe even talk to one of the racecar drivers in the open pit.

In April 2024, the solar eclipse will be seen across much of the US, but Indianapolis lies in the path of totality—it’s one of the country’s NASA-approved viewing hubs. Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will turn into an eclipse-viewing central, with live music, food, races, and more. It’s just one of the many community events on the raceway’s calendar.