All you sports or racing fans may want to mark Sunday, May 30, 2010 as the day to pay a visit to racing city Indianapolis, Indiana to witness the Indianapolis 500. What began in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 race has turned into a world-renown sporting event in which many drivers dream of competing and spectators make special plans to enjoy.
If you have never seen the Indianapolis 500 in person, then you are in for a treat. Racing fans turn out from all over to watch the 33 drivers lap the 2.5-mile track to complete the grand total of 500 miles in one day, reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour. In order to really enjoy the festivities, you may want to plan to come a few days or even a week or more in advance so you can see the Indy cars and drivers in person, watch the qualifying rounds, and take in all that Indiana’s state capital has to offer.
We recommend that if you plan on staying a few days or a week or more that you get an Indianapolis RV rental. May is a great time of the year to camp in Indiana, because the weather is generally not too hot or humid. You can find many campgrounds and state parks in the Indianapolis area that make for great accommodations while you enjoy all that Indianapolis and its famous race park has in store for you. Plus, from Thursday of race weekend to the end of race day, you can even camp right at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! If you’re a hard-core race fan, that option may be a reason in and of itself to rent a motorhome in Indiana.
Some race-related activities or attractions you will want to check out include the following:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum – known around the world as one of the foremost museums dedicated to cars and auto racing, this Indy museum is a must-stop for racing fans. Exhibits include the Marmon “Wasp” (the first car ever to win the Indianapolis 500), other Indy winning cars, rare automobiles like the 1925 McFarlan TV6 passenger roadster, a collection of trophies, and more. Hours at the museum are extended during the month of May, and admission ranges from free to $5 (depending on a person’s age).
- American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day – on Wednesday, May 26, your family may enjoy a day filled with fun at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For $7 a person (kids under age 6 are free), you can take a lap around the Indy track in your own vehicle, check out Pit Lane, take a tour of the official’s booth, get your “victory photo” taken with the winner’s wreath and a glass of milk, and enjoy live music. Admission into Community Day also includes entrance into the Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
- IPL 500 Festival Parade – head to downtown Indianapolis on May 29, 2010 at noon to enjoy the official race parade, complete with floats, marching bands, celebrities, giant balloons, and all 33 Indianapolis 500 drivers.
Tickets to the Indianapolis 500 race itself run anywhere from $40 to $150 a person for a penthouse view. You can get on the Indy 500 website for more venue information and race-day activities and regulations. Race fans and sports enthusiasts will be glad they made the May trip to Indiana to see the Indianapolis 500 live and in person. Plus, if you decide to extend your trip beyond race day, then you can check out the other parks, museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational opportunities in the downtown Indianapolis area.