IMS Details Plans to ‘Strengthen’ Indy 500

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Exactly 100 days away from the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has unveiled plans for this year’s Indianapolis 500. Among the significant enhancements are a multi-million-dollar investment in the fan experience at the track, previously hinted at by new IMS owner Roger Penske, new sponsors and the largest event purse in the more than 100-year history of the race. IMS says the improvements “will resonate with fans from central Indiana and throughout the globe.”

In a January interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Penske talked briefly about the improvement plans, as well as the process that led him to acquire IMS, the NTT IndyCar Series and IMS Productions.

“I’ve walked every square inch of this track (including) places I hadn’t walked in the past and we see a number of areas (where) we can make a difference,” said Penske. “And this not a difference for us to create more revenue. This is a difference, quite honestly to make the guest experience better.”

IMS says the event purse for the Indy 500 will grow by $2 million to more than $15 million. Fans will also see several changes to the format and broadcast of qualifying weekend for this year’s race.

The Last Row Shootout will be expanded to 75 minutes, giving drivers multiple attempts to secure one of the final three spots in the field. The weekend TV schedule will also be expanded through NBC, though specific details are set to be released at a later date.

The IndyCar Series will have a boost in the turbocharger level during qualifying weekend. Turbocharger boost will increase by 45 horsepower this year, giving fans more speed as drivers qualify for the race.

IMS and the NTT IndyCar Series are also adding six new sponsors this year: Pennzoil, Verizon, Snap-on Tools, DEX Imaging, Road & Track magazine and Global Medical Response. The Speedway says the sponsors will make significant investments in the racing series and the track.

The fan experience investment will come in the form of several types of upgrades and enhancements to the technology, infrastructure, and atmosphere at IMS. 

Officials say more than 30 large-screen video boards will be added at the track, including 24 along the Paddock seating. Additionally, all seven infield big-screen monitors will be updated with the capability to show the running order during the race. 

The project will also feature the addition of the IMS Media Wall, which will be located at the base of the Pagoda facing Pagoda Plaza. The 100-foot-wide, 20-foot-tall board will provide data-driven race insights, courtesy of NTT.

The Speedway says Verizon will also add its 5G Ultra Wideband network to the track, making it the first motorsports facility with commercial 5G service.

Several infrastructure improvements will be made, including an enhancement to pedestrian traffic along Georgetown Road by widening it by two lanes to improve traffic flow for race attendees. The Speedway is renovating more than 125 restrooms at the facility and adding new pavement and fencing on the grounds.

Additionally, IMS is making a change to the Victory Lane area. The winning car in the Indy 500, GMR Grand Prix, and Brickyard 400 will be elevated to the same level as the Victory Podium after each race, which IMS says will give fans a better vantage point for at the races.

IMS will install new light signage over Gates 1 and 2 at the Speedway, as well as assume responsibility for the beautification project along Crawfordsville Road. Crews will also install new signage on more than 50 concession stands inside the track, as well as picnic tables throughout the grounds to create more gathering space for fans.

“This is the Racing Capital of the World,” Penske said in a news release. “It is on par with some of the most historic sporting institutions in this nation and across the globe, from Churchill Downs to Augusta National. Today, we’re announcing a meaningful investment in our fan experience that will produce rapid results. It’s part of a long-term plan to ensure the legendary status of the Speedway continues to grow and evolve for generations to come.”

IMS says all of the projects will be completed before the first day of activities in the month of May, which is scheduled for May 8.

You watch Part 2 of our interview with Penske below: