Indianapolis Motor Speedway Parking Map & Lot Guide

Attending an event at the Racing Capital of the World is an unforgettable experience, but getting inside a venue built to hold over 300,000 fans requires a smart logistical plan. Studying an indianapolis motor speedway parking map before you set out is the single best way to ensure you spend race morning enjoying the atmosphere rather than idling in bumper-to-bumper gridlock on Crawfordsville Road.

Whether you are headed to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, or a major concert, this guide breaks down the official speedway lots, neighborhood options, traffic patterns, and the best entry gates for your ticket location.

The Geography of IMS: Surrounding Roads and Access

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) sits in the town of Speedway, Indiana, roughly six miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. The 2.5-mile oval is bordered by four major boundary roads:

• South: 16th Street
• West: Georgetown Road
• North: 30th Street
• East: Several rail spurs and neighborhood access points along Holt Road and Lafayette Road

Because the facility is so large, parking on the wrong side can easily add two miles of foot travel around the perimeter just to reach your seat. Always match your parking location to your grandstand.

Deciphering the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Parking Map

When you consult the official IMS map, the parking spaces are divided into numbered and lettered lots situated both outside the track perimeter and inside the famous infield. Understanding the distinct geographic zones makes navigation straightforward.

1. The North Zone: Lot 7 (The North 40)

Lot 7, commonly known as the "North 40," is the speedway’s largest and most famous public parking area. Located north of the track surface with access off 30th Street, this massive grass lot is ideal for spectators sitting in:

• Turn 3 Grandstands
• North Vista
• Turn 4 Grandstands

Lot 7 accommodates thousands of vehicles and provides direct walking access to Gate 10 and Gate 11. While it takes time to clear out after checkered flag drops, it provides relatively direct egress north toward Interstate 65 via Lafayette Road.

2. The West Zone: Lots 1, 1A, 2, and 3G

Situated directly across Georgetown Road along the frontstretch, these lots place you nearest to the main spectator gates (Gates 6 and 7). They are particularly convenient for ticket holders in the Paddock, A Stand, B Stand, and Upper Deck seats.

• Lot 2: A premium, pre-paid paved and grass area offering close proximity to the main entrance.
• Lot 1 / 1A: Highly sought-after lots utilized for both day parking and dedicated camping groups depending on the event schedule.
• Lot 3G: A popular grass lot accessible via 16th Street or Gilman Street, offering reliable tailgating terrain.

Crucial Note: Georgetown Road is fully closed to vehicular traffic several hours before major events on race day morning. If your parking pass designates access via Georgetown Road, you must arrive well before road closure times, typically around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Indy 500 Sunday.

3. The South Zone: Main Gate and 16th Street Lots

The southern perimeter along 16th Street is the front door of IMS, home to the administrative offices, the IMS Museum, and Gate 2. Key options here include Lot 8 and designated corporate pass areas. Parking south of 16th Street gives fans quick walking access to South Vista, Grandstand J, and Southwest Vista seats.

4. The Infield: Turn 3 and Hall of Fame Lots

Infield parking permits are pre-sold and routinely sell out months ahead of major races. Entry into the infield is routed through vehicle tunnels:

• South Infield: Accessed via the 16th Street tunnel (Gate 2).
• North Infield: Accessed via the 30th Street tunnel (Gate 10).

Parking inside the track allows you to bring your gear directly inside the grounds, but it requires strict patience. Infield vehicle movement is frozen during the race and for a period after the race to let pedestrian crowds disperse safely.

ADA and Accessible Parking

IMS reserves designated accessible parking in several areas, including paved spaces near the Administration Building, inside the Turn 3 Infield, and within Lot 2. To utilize accessible spaces:

1. You must possess a valid, state-issued disability placard or license plate.
2. You must purchase an IMS ADA parking credential prior to race day, as demand frequently outpaces capacity.

Accessible shuttles run from designated transit points around the perimeter to transport mobility-impaired guests to inner circuit points. Check current speedway shuttles maps, as pickup points can vary between practice sessions and race day.

Neighborhood Yard Parking: The Classic Alternative

If you do not hold a pre-purchased speedway parking permit, thousands of Speedway homeowners and local businesses open their front yards, driveways, and industrial lots for cash parking. This tradition is a cornerstone of the race day culture.

• Pricing: Expect rates ranging between $20 and $60 depending on the walk distance to the track.
• Payment: Always bring cash in small bills ($10s and $20s), as many yard operators do not process digital payments.
• Exit Advantage: Parking 4 to 6 blocks away in a residential driveway often allows you to bypass the official lot bottlenecks and escape onto secondary arterials much faster after the race.

Race Day Traffic and Navigation Strategies

Local law enforcement executes an extensive traffic management plan on major event days. Keep these operational realities in mind before you turn your key in the ignition:

Arrive Earlier Than You Think Necessary

For the Indianapolis 500, gates open as early as 6:00 AM. Traffic begins building as early as 5:30 AM on surrounding connectors like I-465, I-65, and Crawfordsville Road. Plan to arrive at your chosen lot at least 3 to 4 hours before the green flag to guarantee a calm, hassle-free walk to your seat.

Follow Officers Over GPS

Modern GPS navigation apps frequently struggle to keep up with dynamic race day street closures and temporary one-way street shifts implemented by the Speedway Police and Indiana State Police. Once you get within two miles of the track, ignore your navigation app and strictly follow the electronic message boards and traffic directors at each intersection.

Prepare for Inverted Post-Race Routes

Immediately after the race, police reverse the flow of traffic on several key corridors—including 16th Street, Crawfordsville Road, and 30th Street—to route traffic outbound toward the interstates. You will generally only be allowed to turn away from the track. Review the outward flow from your specific lot on the IMS egress plan so you know which highway direction you will be funneled toward upon departure.