The town of Speedway, Indiana, has revved up its preparations for the upcoming 110th Indianapolis 500 with a significant milestone — the 100-day countdown until the flagship race on May 24. As reported by FOX59, Speedway's town manager, Grant Kleinhenz, shared the community's enthusiasm, equating the event to their version of the Super Bowl. "Anytime the calendar ticks over to a new year, we start thinking about May, and everybody’s excited," Kleinhenz told FOX59.
The town is also celebrating its centennial in conjunction with America's 250th anniversary, adding extra zeal to the festivities. Preparations include dressing up properties and the "Rockin’ on Main" event planned for May 22. "They put thousands of hours in the planning, the logistics, and the communication side of putting a large event like this on," Kleinhenz added. Alongside the local fanfare, a fan party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has reached capacity, announcing an auspicious start to the racing season. The event, booked solid with no gate admission available, will offer driver appearances, autograph sessions, and other fan-centric activities, as detailed by Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Furthermore, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES celebrated the countdown kickoff with heartwarming outreach at Riley Hospital for Children. President J. Douglas Boles and series drivers joined in for a Valentine's Day Party in Riley Hospital's Child Life Zone, providing a dose of joy for the kids and their families, as covered by WTHITV. In a bid to involve fans emotionally, a new marketing campaign video voiced by celebrity and former athlete Terry Crews, promotes unity and the spirit of the 500 under the "United We Race" tagline. Ready to be shared across social platforms, the video captures the essence of the race experience — the adrenaline rush that glues enthusiasts to this century-old tradition.
Amid this festival of speed, the Indy 500 has not forgotten its veterans. During the 100 Days Out Fan Party, attendees will contribute to the community by helping pack 500 military hygiene kits to be distributed to disabled veterans throughout Central Indiana. This gesture is just one patch in the vibrant quilt of race-related activities spanning from the heart of Speedway to the wider reaches of Indiana's capital. With drivers like 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson and up-and-comers like Sting Ray Robb in participation, the events serve as a bridge, uniting new and seasoned fans of the sport. As the anticipation mounts, tickets for the race and associated activities continue to be on sale, promising visitors an immersive experience at the legendary Brickyard.
