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IMS President reveals $60 million bill for year-long historic Indianapolis Museum renovation

Published 12/08/2023, 3:55 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

They say that the history of the sport lies on the tracks where the rubber is burnt, the cars are wrecked, the cautions are raised, and where restarts change the entirety of the race result. But it’s not only the speedways that capture these lasting memories, it’s the historic museums, too, that preserve the rich history of the sport for the loyal fans to feel pride in.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum closed its doors to the public in November this year and will reopen around April 2025. Following the temporary closure of the museum, the IMS president unveiled the massive investment that will change the look and feel of the historic site.

IMS president reveals the behind-the-scenes of the museum

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FloRacing’s motorsport insider Chet Christner was at the Performance Racing Industry show when he ran into IMS president, Doug Boles, following which he made the best use of the opportunity to get conclusivity on some queries.

Standing in front of the museum display, Chet asked Doug about the revamp efforts of the museum and questioned, “We’re in front of the museum display, but remodeling a museum at the speedway?”

The president expressed that the museum is under a foundation that is looking after the renovation and revealed, “Yeah, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum is a 501(c)(3) foundation, and we’ve got a great project going on there.”

Boles then revealed that with immense investments, IMS museum will renovate and open its doors for the fans during the 2025 Indianapolis 500 and said, “It’ll be closed through the 2024 season and then open up for the 2025 Indianapolis 500. But about $60 million in investment, it’s going to be completely transformed inside.”

The president’s investment revelation came as a shocker for Chet, and he couldn’t contain his disbelief and exclaimed, “Whoo!”

 

$60 million of investment for renovation is a huge amount, especially when no major changes are being made on the outside of the museum. So, what are the changes that would be witnessed during the 2025 Indianapolis 500 race?

The $60 million hefty renovation package

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Doug emphasized that no major changes would take place on the outside, but the inside would be completely revamped. He said, “It’ll feel like the same what we’re used to on the outside, but when you walk in, it’s gonna be a completely different experience. Really excited about what’s on the horizon for the museum.”

The museum is set to bring on-track racing to life with its exhibition area spanning over 6,700 square feet with an elevated space showcasing its gallery of winning cars and a STEAM learning center with a racing simulator that will provide an immersive experience of real racing, among several other attractions. Surely a sight to behold!

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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, once done, will showcase the rich history of the evolution of motorsports whilst giving the fans a hands-on experience of the racecars. Would you like to visit the revamped museum? Let us know.

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Written by:

Aneesh Gupta

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During my teenage years, the thunderous symphony of Formula 1's V8s and the explosive crack of NASCAR's pistol shot became the soundtrack of my adrenaline-fueled existence. The relentless roars of engines, accompanied by the screeches of tires, ignited a passion within me that couldn't be contained. The screen came alive with a captivating dance of aggression, passion, frustration, and celebration, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
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Edited by:

Ariva Debnath