Brickyard 400 reminder: Plan ahead to avoid road construction

NASCAR fans are encouraged to arrive early in the Indianapolis area during the Brickyard 400 on July 23-25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway due to a major Interstate highway construction project west of the racetrack.

The southbound Interstate 465 exit to Crawfordsville Road (southbound Exit 16A) is closed for the remainder of 2010 as part of a major reconstruction of I-465 on Indianapolis' west side. This traditionally has been a popular exit for fans heading to the Speedway from points north and northwest of IMS.

For 2010 Brickyard 400 activities, fans traveling southbound on I-465 should use the 38th Street exit (Exit 17), located 1 mile north of Crawfordsville Road, and proceed east following signage toward the track.

Optional north-south roads include High School Road, Moller Road or Georgetown Road.

The Indiana State Police advises spectators to visit its website, www.in.gov/isp, and visit the "Traveling Tips" document among the scrolling headlines to receive information on the most direct routes to take when arriving and leaving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Road conditions and construction updates also can be found at the site.

Fans also can avoid traffic and parking issues by using shuttle bus service provided by the Free Enterprise System, Inc. Air-conditioned shuttles will operate from three locations downtown and from Indianapolis International Airport. To purchase a shuttle ticket, or for additional information, visit www.brickyard400parking.com.

IMS officials offer two additional recommendations to fans: plan to leave early for the track, and do not use 16th Street westbound in an attempt to enter via Gate 2, as 16th Street quickly backs up due to the volume of cars attempting to park in the infield.

A very limited number of infield parking spaces are available and accessible via Gate 10 on 30th Street – the same gate where fans can park for free in Lot 7. Ample parking also is available in IMS Lot 1B (the "Coke Lot") at 25th Street and Georgetown Road. A map of IMS parking lots is available at http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/var/assets_content/track-map-500-lrg.jpg.

On Brickyard 400 Race Day, public gates open at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 1 p.m. For additional information, and a complete schedule of the events, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.