About Racetracks IN Indiana

Indiana’s racing history runs deep at the racetrack. In addition to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the state has a host of historic racing ovals. Many of Indiana’s tracks gained popularity in the late ’40s and ’50s after the war. Some of these tracks became known for their banked construction, like the 1957 Tri-State Speedway in the southwestern Indiana town of Haubstadt, and the paved 1947 Salem Speedway.

With its 37-degree banking, the asphalt Winchester Speedway is one of the steepest ovals, fueling its reputation as “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.” It started hosting auto races as early as 1916 and gained a national reputation after World War II.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds one-mile oval hosted the first Hoosier Hundred sprint car race in 1950. The Terre Haute Action Track, a half-mile clay oval in western Indiana has also hosted races for nearly 75 years.

Most Indiana tracks have maintained their historic footprint while grandstands and public spaces have been modernized. The 1926 Jungle Park Speedway retains a few remnants but is most easily recognized by the historic marker that stands where the racetrack once was. The track was notoriously dangerous and closed in 1960. 

As racing season in Indiana sees the green flag in the spring, fans are encouraged to find a race and check out these historic tracks. There are events almost every weekend from sprint and midget cars to younger racers in go-karts and ever-popular demolition derbies. There is something for every type of race fan to enjoy.