Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Reimagining The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

New Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum website
Leigh DeNoon
New Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum website

INDIANAPOLIS - Makeover plans are being developed for what will now be known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Organized in 1957 by IMS owner Tony Hulman as the Hall of Fame Museum to showcase his collection of cars and memorabilia, the facility has not kept pace with growth and technology.

IMS Foundation executive director Betsy Smith says the museum wants to better connect with 21st Century fans, “To operate a more modern museum is going to cost more than operating it as it currently stands," she said. "It’s much more expensive to get high technology into the museum than to have static displays. So, that level of support we’re hoping will come from the general public and philanthropic sources around the community.”

Smith says they’ve hired the architectural Schmidt Associates to re-envision the space for a more immersive experience and better showcase the museum’s vast collection.  In the meantime, new exhibit space has been created where offices once were, and new displays are set for May.

There’s also a totally new website - indyracingmuseum.org.

Leigh DeNoon joined 90.1 WFYI in May 2013 as the Friday morning local news anchor for "Morning Edition." A native of Indianapolis, she worked 18 years as a journalist at WIBC radio. In addition to anchoring during "Morning Edition," Leigh enjoys reporting on health and nature issues.
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.