What entertainment and events are there at an IndyCar race?

Close-Up Access

Similarly to IMSA and WEC events, IndyCar offers fans an incredible amount of access to the garages, drivers, teams, track and of course, the cars. At each circuit, there are different vantage points and areas where fans can get close to the action with even just a general admission (GA) ticket. Some races, like the Detroit Grand Prix, even offer free admission on Friday (“FREE Prix Day” as they call it) which may include access to select grandstands. 

IndyCar general admission tickets are often fairly priced and allow for fans to have access to places that would normally seem restricted at other sporting events, even other racing events like a Formula 1 Grand Prix. All fans can purchase Paddock Passes which are ticket add-ons that are very much worth the extra cost. These single- or multi-day passes allow fans to move freely in and out of the garage area to see the cars up close. This option provides amazing opportunities to run into your favorite driver and snag a quick selfie or autograph.

• Open Paddock
  
  • Fans can purchase a Paddock Pass to enter the Paddock and be close to their favorite cars, teams and drivers
  • Walk freely past the working garages and team transporters and watch teams wheel the cars out for each track session
  • Drivers are frequently walking, biking, or scootering through the Paddock and are generally happy to stop for a quick photo or autograph
• Accessible Pit Lane
  
  • Fans can purchase a Pit Pass as an add-on to their ticket, similar to the Paddock Pass
  • Pit Passes grant access to the pit lane to watch teams and drivers up close during most sessions (the IndyCar race on Sunday may be excluded)
• The Full-Field Autograph Sessions
  
  • Every IndyCar race weekend features a full-field autograph sessions on Saturday
  • There are separate sessions for IndyCar and Indy NXT

On-Track Action

The IndyCar race weekend doesn’t just offer IndyCar track sessions. The race weekend is host to other support series, giving fans plenty of on-track action over the course of the weekend. 

• IMSA
  
  • The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) weekends bring extra excitement because of the number of drivers and the variety of cars
• The Road to Indy Ladder
  
  • Indy NXT
  • USF Pro 2000 & USF2000
• Other Support Series
  
  • Look for other special sessions, including Stadium SUPER Trucks, Formula Drift, and historic car races

In addition to the variety of cars, the tracks themselves present interesting challenges. The IndyCar calendar includes ovals, road courses, and temporary street circuits which each present unique challenges.

• Ovals
  
  • Cars racing on oval circuits can hit over 220 mph in continuous, high-speed racing. The cars require specialized asymmetrical setups to cope with constantly turning left.
• Road courses
  
  • Road courses feature varying elevation changes, high-speed corners, and hard-braking zones, where the car’s high-downforce setup is maximized. Unlike ovals, the cars use a symmetrical setup.
• Street circuits
  
  • Street circuits are temporary courses and are characterized by bumpy, uneven asphalt and are lined by concrete barriers with virtually no run-off area. 

Entertainment & Off-Track Fun

Beyond the competition, the IndyCar race weekend is packed with a variety of other entertainment options ranging from pop-ups, concerts, activities, food and beverage options and more! During breaks in the on-track action, fans can enjoy the Fan Zone and any other entertainment options that are held off-track. 

• The Fan Zone/Midway
  
  • Racing Simulators
  • Pit Stop Challenges
  • Official Merchandise
  • Driver and Team member appearances
  • Driver autograph session

• Music and Nightlife
  
  • Race weekends often feature live music and concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings
  • At the bigger events, there is a kick-off concert before the race
  • Some cities will have concerts that are race-weekend-related located in the heart of the city which is a great way for even non-race fans to soak up the IndyCar atmosphere

Looking for more on IndyCar?

Check out the general bag policy to ensure a seamless race weekend.

Wondering what you can expect at an IndyCar race? Check out our guide!