The Indianapolis Motor Speedway recently tore up a section of its track to fix bumps at the exit of turn two. This repair project revealed not only bricks dating back to when cars first raced there in 1909 but also crushed stone and tar used for the very first racing surface.
Key Takeaways
- The track unearthed original paving bricks from 1909-1937, still under modern asphalt.
- Crews found crushed stone and tar used as the first-ever racing surface at IMS in 2025.
- Video footage of this historic dig is available on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway YouTube channel for fans to enjoy.
The video shows how track officials removed a seven-inch layer of asphalt above problem bumps. This exposed the famous bricks underneath, many still as smooth as they were in the 1930s despite being buried under decades of racing and weathering.
But after digging one more layer down below those paving stones, crews discovered something even older – crushed stone and tar laid down when IMS first opened its doors. It’s like stepping back into time to see how motorsports got started in America.
The footage also covers the meticulous process of repaving over these historic layers with modern materials. This ensures that while fans can appreciate the history, they won’t have to worry about track conditions affecting their favorite drivers’ performance at IndyCar races moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was this historic dig done?
The repair and excavation took place near the exit of turn two on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval track.
How can fans watch the footage from this project?
Fans interested in seeing how crews uncovered these layers of racing history can check out the 18-minute video posted by IMS on their YouTube channel.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to be a place where motorsports tradition meets modern innovation. It’s amazing that so much original material remains even after over a century of racing and track improvements.
