Indianapolis TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks Fan & Track Guide
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Indianapolis Motor Speedway
There are race tracks...
And then there's Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Known around the world as "The Racing Capital of the World," Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been home to some of the greatest moments in motorsport history for well over a century. While many fans associate the venue with the Indianapolis 500, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship brings a completely different style of racing to the legendary facility, utilizing the technical infield road course alongside portions of the famous oval.
For endurance racing fans, competing at Indianapolis is about more than championship points—it's about racing at one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.
Whether you're attending your first Battle on the Bricks or returning to the Brickyard, here's everything you need to know.
Race Overview
Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Race Length: 6 Hours
Series: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Classes
• GTP
• LMP2
• GTD PRO
• GTD
The TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks is one of the marquee endurance events on the 2026 IMSA calendar and marks one of the final opportunities for teams to score crucial championship points before the season finale.
Circuit Facts
Track Length: 2.439 miles (3.925 km)
Turns: 14
Direction: Clockwise
Opened: 1909
Originally built as an oval, Indianapolis Motor Speedway introduced its road course in 2000 and has since welcomed Formula 1, MotoGP, IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA competition.
The famous Yard of Bricks, located at the start/finish line, remains one of motorsport's most recognizable landmarks.
What Makes Indianapolis So Special?
History.
Every driver dreams of racing at Indianapolis.
Even though IMSA competes on the road course, drivers still cross the legendary Yard of Bricks every lap.
It's one of those places where you can genuinely feel the history of the sport.
Best Viewing Locations
Turn 1
The best place to watch the race start.
Heavy braking.
Late overtaking.
Cars often run side-by-side into the opening corner.
Expect:
✔ Opening lap action
✔ Restarts
✔ Bold passing attempts
Turn 7
One of the circuit's best technical sections.
Drivers balance the car through medium-speed corners before accelerating toward the oval.
A great place to appreciate car handling.
Hulman Straight
One of the fastest sections of the road course.
Watch GTP cars accelerate toward top speed before diving into another heavy braking zone.
Final Chicane
Excellent overtaking opportunities.
Drivers attack the curbs aggressively while setting up for the front straight.
Late-race battles frequently unfold here.
Main Grandstands
One of the biggest advantages of Indianapolis.
You can watch:
Pit lane
Start/finish
The Yard of Bricks
Victory celebrations
Team strategy
All from one location.
Best Photography Locations
📸 Yard of Bricks
📸 Turn 1
📸 Hulman Straight
📸 Final Chicane
📸 Victory Lane
Indianapolis offers some of the most iconic motorsport backdrops anywhere in the world.
Don't Miss
Race Start
Watching the field roar toward Turn 1 at one of the world's most famous race tracks is unforgettable.
The Yard of Bricks
Every winning team stops to kiss the bricks after the race.
It's one of motorsport's greatest traditions.
Don't leave without visiting them yourself.
Pit Strategy
With six hours of racing, fuel strategy, tire management, and driver changes become increasingly important as the race progresses.
Final Hour
Championship pressure begins building.
Every point matters.
Expect aggressive racing.
Race Weekend Tips
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway covers hundreds of acres.
You'll walk much farther than expected.
✔ Bring sunscreen.
Many seating areas have limited shade.
✔ Ear protection is recommended.
Especially near the front straight and heavy braking zones.
✔ Arrive early.
Traffic around Indianapolis can become extremely busy on race weekend.
Fan Access
IMSA's fan-friendly atmosphere continues at Indianapolis.
The open paddock allows fans to get close to the teams and cars throughout the weekend, while autograph sessions provide opportunities to meet some of the world's best endurance racing drivers.
Best Food
Indianapolis offers plenty of classic race-day favorites, including:
🌭 Hot dogs
🍔 Burgers
🥨 Giant soft pretzels
🍕 Pizza
🍺 Local Indiana craft beer
If you're staying downtown, you'll also find countless excellent local restaurants within a short drive of the speedway.
Things To Do Around Indianapolis
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Recently renovated and one of the finest motorsport museums in the world.
A must-see for every racing fan.
Monument Circle
The heart of downtown Indianapolis.
Great restaurants.
Shopping.
Historic architecture.
White River State Park
Beautiful walking trails.
Museums.
Outdoor recreation.
Indiana State Museum
Perfect for families or an extra day in the city.
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
If another event is happening during your visit, it's worth checking out one of America's premier drag racing and short-track facilities.
Best Hotels
Stay in:
Speedway
Downtown Indianapolis
Plainfield
Avon
Booking early is strongly recommended, as race weekends bring visitors from around the world.
First-Time Fan Tips
Don't spend the entire day in the grandstands.
Visit:
Morning:
Turn 1
Mid-Race:
Turn 7
Afternoon:
Final Chicane
Finish:
Start/Finish and the Yard of Bricks
You'll experience several completely different perspectives of the circuit.
Why Drivers Love Indianapolis
Very few circuits carry the prestige of Indianapolis.
Winning here means your name becomes part of one of the greatest traditions in motorsport.
The combination of history, technical corners, and high-speed sections makes every lap feel special.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
Indianapolis combines:
World-famous history
Excellent facilities
Outstanding fan access
Great racing
A vibrant downtown
One of the most recognizable venues in motorsport
Even if you've visited for the Indianapolis 500 before, seeing IMSA cars tackle the road course offers an entirely different experience.
First Sector Recommendation
If this is your first visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, take time to appreciate the venue's incredible history. Visit the museum before heading to the paddock, walk across the Yard of Bricks, and explore multiple viewing areas throughout the race. The Battle on the Bricks isn't just another stop on the IMSA calendar—it's a chance to experience endurance racing at one of the most legendary race tracks ever built. With six hours of strategy, multi-class action, and championship drama, it's one of the season's must-see events.
Comments