Q&A with The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

There is no better place to celebrate the month of May than in Indianapolis. At the heart of the month, we have the Indianapolis 500, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing with a 109-year history. To learn more about upcoming events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we spoke with Ellen Saul, Vice President of Premium Services at the Speedway and GIPC Member Representative.

Access member profiles from previous months here. Have news you want shared? Let us know!

Tell us more about you!

I’ve been an active participant in the Indianapolis events and sports scene for more than 30 years. I started at the Hoosier Dome (remember that venue?) and then moved to Maribeth Smith & Associates, Inc., a small community-focused event planning company. I currently serve as Vice President of Premium Services at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). I am passionate about collaborative teams, well-executed events, IMS, and, especially, the city of Indianapolis.

I grew up in Bloomington and am an Indiana University graduate.

With so many events happening during Race week, what activities would you recommend the most?

The Sonsio Grand Prix on May 10 provides an ideal family-friendly opportunity to introduce children to INDYCAR racing. I also recommend coming out for a practice day and wandering the infield including Pagoda Plaza to check out the giant Pagoda board; the fan Midway and Kids Zone featuring interactive displays and shopping opportunities; and The Shop, our largest merchandise location featuring new IMS and NTT INDCAR Series items. I also highly recommend a visit to the newly reimagined Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. It is truly spectacular!

Do you have any tips for first-time race attendees?

Doug Boles, president of Indycar and IMS, advises first-time race attendees to come with someone who knows the ropes, if possible. I agree with his recommendation, although, newcomers can have a great day without a guide.  A few tips include:

  • The IMS website is a terrific planning resource (Indianapolis 500).
  • Have a parking plan in mind before you leave home and allow plenty of time to get to the track. If you plan for traffic and wait times, frustrations will be minimized.
  • Consider biking to the Race. Bike to the 500 presented by Bike Indianapolis and CIBA starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the track, where cyclists can park their bikes in a gated and monitored area. Bike to the 500
  • Check the weather and dress accordingly – wear comfortable shoes and layer up.
  • If bringing a cooler, make sure it fits within gate regulations and is no larger than 18” x 15” x 15.”  For specific gate regulations, visit Gate Regulations.
  • When you enter the gates, wander around before you find your seats. The Indy 500 offers some of the best people watching you’ll find.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, look for the folks in yellow shirts. Our safety patrol team is experienced, knowledgeable, and ready to help!

How can GIPC Members get involved with IMS?

If you have not yet purchased tickets for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, you might want to hop on it as grandstand ticket availability is dwindling. Other ways to get involved with the Month of May in Indianapolis include:

  • Throwing a porch party (Indy 500 Porch Parties)
  • Attending the April 30 Festival Kickoff to May on the Circle  (2025 Community Calendar)
  • Bringing a group of co-workers on a practice day for some team building
  • Attending the Naturalization Ceremony at IMS on opening day, Tuesday, May 13. In honor of the starting field, 33 individuals will be inducted as United States citizens on Pagoda Plaza.
  • Showing off your racing spirit by incorporating racing and the “500” into your attire for #500Fashion Fridays on May 2, 9, 16, and 23.