Indianapolis Motor Speedway - SRO Indy 8 Hours
- Chris Green
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222
Year Opened: 1909
Capacity: 257,325
Indy’s Endurance Showcase
While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, the SRO America Indianapolis 8 Hours stands alone as the only sportscar endurance race on the annual schedule. While IMSA maintains a visit on their schedule, future events will return to standard sprint weekends in 2026, leaving the SRO weekend the only place you can watch sportscar endurance racing at Indy. While generally more low key than other events at the storied facility, this event maintains its place as one of the most fan-friendly and wallet-friendly events on the calendar.
Food & Beverage 3
The standard fare is available throughout the infield; the basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as are soda ($5-$7), bottled water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Unfortunately, the only real food options at the track are the main concessions stand near the pagoda plaza – the grandstand food stands are closed, and food trucks are non-existent during this event.
Atmosphere 4
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile.
However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offers fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are, and renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well.
The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines.
Neighborhood 3
Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes.
Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indianapolis just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.
Fans 3
The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top it. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades.
As with other SRO America events, while the track may not sell out every seat, attendance has increased each year with impressive consistency, thanks no doubt to the organization’s hard efforts in the marketing department. 2025 saw a busy fan walk before the 8 Hour, as well as long lines at the various autograph sessions during the event.
Access 4
To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the venue’s exit.
Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of these lots require pre-purchased parking passes. That said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets to SRO weekend are relatively well priced – general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Thursday, $30 for Friday, and $20 for Saturday. Weekend passes are just $85 for all three days. Kids 15 and under are free with a paid adult, and parking starts at just $10 and goes up to only $25. Best of all, admission to Sunday’s remaining sprint races is free, with free parking then as well.
Compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access, as well as access to the paddock and pre-race fan walk.
Extras 4
Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the SRO America Series teams. The series also has several event stores set up throughout the facility’s fan zone, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. The IMS stores also open under the pagoda plaza.
On Saturday before the 8 Hour event, a fan walk is held on track for you to see all the competitors up close on pit lane.
Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race days. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and seeing the history of the sport of racing.
Final Thoughts
Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and SRO weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it’s hard to skip this now annual stop on the SRO calendar. Sportscar fans will also have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than five racing series taking to the speedway during this event.
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