Tips For Race Fans Headed To Indianapolis For The Brickyard 400

The Brickyard 400 is just around the corner and race fans are already to see their favorite drivers compete for the prize. This year race fans may want to arrive early to avoid the heavy traffic due to a major Interstate highway construction project located west of the racetrack. If you're expecting to get off the southbound Interstate 465 exit to Crawfordsville Road - southbound Exit 16A - forget it - it's currently closed, and will remain so until the end of the year. Instead, use the 38th Street exit - Exit 17 - that is located one mile north of Crawfordsville Road, and then head east following the signs toward the track.

"We want our fans to have a great experience the whole weekend, so minimizing traffic issues before and after the Brickyard 400 is a priority for IMS and law enforcement officials," said Jeff Belskus, IMS Corp. president and CEO. "The new Crawfordsville Road entrance from I-465 will be a beautiful, fitting entrance to ´The Racing Capital of the World´ when completed, and we appreciate everyone´s cooperation and patience while this transformation takes place."

The Indiana State Police suggest checking traffic and road construction updates at www.in.gov/isp, which also offers the most direct routes to take when arriving and leaving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Another way to avoid the traffic is to visit www.brickyard400parking.com, and check the schedules for the with the shuttle services. Provided by the Free Enterprise System, Inc, these air-conditioned shuttles leave from three locations downtown and from Indianapolis International Airport.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials advise fans to make plans to leave early for the track, avoid 16th Street westbound because it quickly backs up due to the volume of cars attempting to park in the infield. There are a very limited number of infield parking spaces are available and accessible via Gate 10 on 30th Street. This is the same gate where fans can park for free in Lot 7. Ample parking also is available in IMS Lot 1B, known as the "Coke Lot" at 25th Street and Georgetown Road. For a map of all available IMS parking lots click here.

Avoid the hassle of track traffic and camp out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which can be almost as thrilling as the race itself. IMS has spaces available for tents and RV's, and this makes it easy to enjoy all the action at the track without the hassles of parking everyday.

This year there's a new FREE Family Fun Area that is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., located near the Family Viewing Mounds adjacent to Turn 2 in the IMS infield. Kids will love playing on the inflatable bouncers, getting there faces painted, and joining the various interactive displays geared toward children and more. The best part of the Family Fun area is it is FREE. If you have general admission tickets, then the Family Viewing Mounds are a perfect place to watch the race as well.

Learn More - There will be plenty of exciting events taking place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before and during the Brickyard 400. To view all the events and order tickets, which are on sale now visit www.imstix.com at any time.

It's so easy to do so much with so many attractions and events held throughout the year in Indianapolis. For great discounts and exciting things to do in Indy visit the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association at http://www.visitindy.com.

By Melody Schubert & Leroy Worley