April 6, 2016

'It's Going To Feel Like A Late '80s Early '90s Indy 500'

Juan Montoya, winner of the 2015 Indianapolis 500, heads down the front stretch during testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, April 6. - Doug Jaggers

Juan Montoya, winner of the 2015 Indianapolis 500, heads down the front stretch during testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, April 6.

Doug Jaggers

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway roared to life Wednesday as IndyCar teams tested in preparation for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said the teams and drivers aren’t the only ones gearing up for the historic event. Fans are buying up tickets at a pace IMS hasn’t seen for decades.

“Tickets sales are really strong, as strong as I can ever remember them in my time here at the speedway, or even in my time when I was on the team side," Boles said. "I think we may be at a point where all of our reserved seats are sold out by the first week in May, which will be the first time really that that’s happened really in 25-30 years, probably.”

Boles said fans should expect a larger crowd this year and plan accordingly for race day.

“It’s going to feel like a late '80s early '90s Indy 500, so you have to think a little bit differently about how you’re getting there, when you’re coming, where you’re parking," Boles said. "A lot of that stuff I think people are going to need to think through a little bit more just because we’re going to have so many people here in the venue.”

The 100th Indianapolis 500 will be Sunday, May 29.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

ProPEL Indy releases latest report on interstate improvements, seeks public input
Indy Animal Care feels impact of cold weather at aging shelter
IMPD officers found not guilty on all charges in the death of Herman Whitfield III