Going to the Brickyard

Qualifying

The cost for qualifying is $10. I don't know how many people were at qualifying, but there were a lot. Many people from all around the area go just for qualifying because watching the race there isn't the best.

Qualifying is a neat experince because you can sit where you want and the best place to go (if you don't mind sun) in on pit road side. That is the best place if you like gawking at the drivers because pit road it right in front of you!

When you sit on pit road side of the stands, the drivers are right there. If you get lucky enough to get seats right at the edge of where the drivers and cars come out (by Gasoline Alley) the drivers all walk out there, and most will stop and sign autographs. If you just want to sit and watch, that is fine because they are pretty close. You don't need binoculars.

Parking

What I find especially neat is that houses all around the speedway put signs up welcoming race fans and most even let you park for a price in the yard.   There are a couple of Speedway lots, which cost money (more on race day), and if you have a motorhome it is more, but I prefer parking in one of the yards of houses right by the speedway. I want to say it usually runs us $20 to park a Jeep Cherokee there for a day of qualifying.

Race day parking is crowded. I think that is why in '94, we parked 2 miles away and walked. The further you go, the cheaper it is. Plus, it is easier to get out on race day, because it takes you awhile to get back to your car after looking at the venders and the food stands and then the long walk back.

Getting There and Getting Out

I usually tell people who are going to get there early. The closer to the track the better. From Wisconsin, I take I-94 to I-80/90 to I-65 south until you see signs for the speedway.  Follow those signs and you can't get lost.

The "yellow shirts" do a wonderful job helping those who have a hard time finding seats and ushering people around. I don't remember sitting for hours in traffic getting out of there (though we had to walk back to the car which took awhile). The streets are closed off on the front strech side (which is the side I always go in on) so that people can walk.

After the race, it is nothing but curb-to-curb people on the streets.

Food

Anyone who loves food should try the sausage with peppers and onions at the food venders.  They differ with each region, and the Midwest seems to have the best (probably because I am from around here and that is what I am used to). Indy and Michigan have the best food venders (not affiliated with the speedways, just the traveling ones) from the tracks that I have been to.

Overall

Everything is well run, from the traffic to the people who search your coolers. The only thing I didn't like about the race is that I couldn't see much. We were seated by the flag man and barely saw them coming out of four and going into one with many obstructions in the way.

Thanks Sandy!

Local Newspaper

The Indianapolis Star/The Indianapolis News

Track Web Site

Brickyard 400 - official track and race Web site