News Summary
During maintenance ahead of the 2026 Indianapolis 500, historic bricks were uncovered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, revealing a significant piece of racing history. The bricks had been hidden since 1937 and highlight the speedway’s rich legacy. Ticket sales for this upcoming event have surged, with grandstand seating sold out for the first time in nearly a decade, showcasing growing fan enthusiasm for the race.
Indianapolis, Indiana — Historic Bricks Uncovered During IMS Repairs as 2026 Indy 500 Ticket Sales Begin
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), a landmark in auto racing history, has revealed a piece of its past during recent repair work. As part of scheduled maintenance prior to the 2026 Indianapolis 500, officials excavated sections of the oval track at the end of Turn 2 and discovered remnants of the original track surface — the historic bricks that make up a beloved feature of the speedway.
Discovery of Historic Bricks and Track Details
During the repair work, workers removed over a foot of asphalt covering the track surface, revealing sections of the original bricks beneath. These bricks had been obscured since 1937, marking nearly 90 years since they last saw daylight. This discovery is especially notable because the bricks are a defining visual and historical element of the speedway, which has been part of American motorsport since its inception.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.5-mile oval with flat straights and turns that tilt at 9 degrees and 12 minutes. The uncovering of these bricks provides a tangible connection to the speedway’s beginnings, reflecting more than a century of racing history.
Historical Background of IMS
IMS’s history dates back to June 5, 1909, when it hosted a helium gas-filled balloon competition. Later that same year, on August 14, motorcycle races were held on the track. The first auto races occurred on August 19, 1909, leading up to the launch of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. The inaugural race was won by Ray Harroun, who is believed to be the first driver to use a rearview mirror on his race car.
Recent Ticket Sales and Race Attendance Expectations
As the 2026 Indianapolis 500 approaches, ticket sales have marked a notable milestone. Approximately 230,000 grandstand seats have sold out, marking the first time in nearly a decade that the race has achieved a complete grandstand sellout. The tickets are priced between $45 and $160 and are now available on the official speedway website. Despite the sellout of grandstand seats, general admission infield tickets remain available for purchase.
Overall, race organizers expect an attendance of around 350,000 people, making this event one of the most anticipated in recent years. The high level of enthusiasm stems from increased fan support, renewed interest in the race, and efforts to restore the event’s traditional appeal.
Race Participants and Notable Drivers
The upcoming race will feature several high-profile drivers. Josef Newgarden is aiming for his third consecutive Indy 500 victory; however, he will start from the back of the field due to disqualification from qualifying rounds. Similarly, Will Power, also from Team Penske, will start from the back following disqualification. Scott McLaughlin will participate with a backup car after a severe crash during practice.
Among the contenders, Álex Palou, the two-time defending IndyCar champion, is seeking his first Indy 500 win and has won four of the last five races this season. Robert Shwartzman, a rookie making his debut, secured pole position after impressing during qualifying with his team, Prema Racing.
Additional Notable Participants and Race Strategies
NASCAR driver Kyle Larson plans to compete in the “Double,” attempting to race in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, a feat that garners attention among motorsport enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The discovery of the historic bricks at IMS not only adds to the race’s rich history but also coincides with the start of ticket sales for the 2026 event. The combination of historical preservation and growing fan engagement signals a promising future for the Indianapolis 500, which continues to attract large crowds and top-tier drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did IMS uncover historic bricks?
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, uncovered sections of the original bricks beneath asphalt during repairs at the end of Turn 2. - How long have the bricks been covered?
The bricks have been covered since 1937, nearly 90 years ago. - How many tickets were sold for the 2026 race?
Approximately 230,000 grandstand tickets have been sold out, with general admission tickets still available. - What is the expected attendance at the race?
An estimated crowd of about 350,000 race fans is expected. - Who will start on pole position in 2026?
Rookie Robert Shwartzman will start on the pole position.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
