INDIANAPOLIS — It won't be long before the greatest race car drivers in the world are making laps around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. The city is making sure fans get the full experience in the weeks before the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
It all started on Wednesday, May 1. IMS President Doug Boles said fans should fasten their seatbelts.
"As every May 1, it's a little chaotic because we've waited so long to get to this point and time. Now that we are here, we have so many things to do and just the excitement in the month of May," Boles said.
There are some new things fans can look forward to at the track, like the videoboards in Turn 4. Boles said they strive to balance the present with the past, while honoring the history of the track that everyone loves.
"What I love about the Speedway is there's so much history and tradition in generational fans," Boles said.
Boles said that's the secret to the Indianapolis 500's success.
"When I see those things continuing to go the new generation, the younger kids coming in, that's the stuff I get really excited about. Those are the stories that I've heard so far. People can't wait to get back as a family to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," Boles said.
One of the big events of the month is the AES 500 Festival Parade. Former Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings will be the grand marshal.
Boles said he's proud of how our city handles major events, and he's excited the 500 is a part of that.
"A lot of the reason I think the 500 has been so successful is because the foundation of the 500 is the support that community gives — not just the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but all of our events in the Indianapolis area," Boles said.