Speedway, Ind. – The iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum is set to expand its historic footprint this May with a brand‑new restoration and event center. The $22 million project, located on Polco Street just outside the track, adds roughly 87,000 square feet of space for visitors, scholars, and racing fans.
What the new center offers
Visitors will be greeted by a striking entrance: a classic race car suspended from the ceiling above a grand staircase. “Hanging a car from the ceiling is always a fun challenge, so we are excited as well,” said construction project manager Andy Hunt.
IMS Museum President Mike Good explained the vision behind the space. “We exist as the museum to be a steward of history and storytelling. This center gives a behind‑the‑scenes snapshot of what happens before a vehicle makes it onto the museum floor,” Good said.
Restoration department goes public
The new facility houses a full‑time restoration department, allowing the public to watch classic race cars being painstakingly restored. “The public will be able to come out here on this catwalk and see the restoration taking action,” Good added.
Event space for the community
Beyond the workshop, the center includes a 4,000‑square‑foot event hall that can seat 250 guests for seated events or up to 400 for standing gatherings. A glass wall overlooks the museum gallery, creating a seamless visual link between past and present. Additional amenities feature a green room for weddings or private functions, a kitchen, a test track, and a dedicated space for student projects.
Education and career pathways
The investment also supports local education. The center will provide hands‑on learning opportunities for students interested in automotive engineering, restoration, or STEM careers. “This is our kids, kids, kids will be coming here, and we take a lot of pride in that,” Good said.
Community excitement
Hunt, who grew up in the area, captured the local buzz surrounding the May opening. “Everyone gets so excited. It’s not just the people here; friends from out of town come and talk about the race,” he noted.
With the new restoration and event center, the IMS Museum aims to deepen its role as a cultural and educational hub for Indianapolis and the broader racing community.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
