Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcases original crushed stone and tar racing surface

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — During a recent excavation for the Turn two repave project, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway uncovered its original crushed stone and tar racing surface, a significant discovery that had not been seen since 1909. According to Zach Horrall, manager of Digital Marketing at IMS, this moment reveals a piece of racing history to fans in a way that has never been done before.

The Turn two repave project took place last September, primarily to address bumps caused by shifting bricks below the surface—issues exacerbated by Indiana’s fluctuating weather. While excavating to repair these bricks, the team decided to uncover any historical layers beneath, ultimately revealing the original racing surface of crushed stone and tar.

Zach Horrall explained the significance of this discovery, stating, “It’s amazing. It’s the original, original track surface of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” This surface, laid down during the summer of 1909, had been hidden for over a century and showcased the early construction efforts of the track.

The excavation revealed a beautiful limestone composite mixed with tar, which was noted to still be fresh and had a strong smell, signifying its preservation. Horrall remarked, “It was an overwhelming and powerful moment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway!” such that no one present, including long-time IMS historian Donald Davidson, had ever seen it before.

Photos taken during the excavation illustrated the historic bricklaying process, providing visual documentation of the construction history of the track. The now-excavated surface is currently on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, allowing visitors to witness a tangible piece of racing history.

The original racing surface is now showcased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, providing an educational opportunity for fans and guests alike. Further installments documenting this series of discoveries are available on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s website.