Climate Change Connections: Indiana (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Climate change is impacting all regions and sectors of the United States. The State and Regional Climate Change Connections resource highlights climate change connections to culturally, ecologically, or economically important features of each state and territory. The content on this page provides an illustrative example. As climate change will affect each state and territory in diverse ways, this resource only describes a small portion of these risks. For more comprehensive information about regional climate impacts, please visit the Fifth National Climate Assessment and Climate Change Impacts by Sector.
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Introduction: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Is a Key Driver of Indiana Culture and Economy
Right in the heart of Indiana’s largest city, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands as a symbol of innovation and car racing heritage for the state. This historic track hosts major races annually, drawing motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world to witness competitive car racing. Built in 1909, the Speedway is considered the oldest continuously operated racetrack for automobiles in the world.1 The 2.5-mile circuit was designed as a testing ground to support Indiana’s growing automotive industry. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is credited for its contribution to the development of critical safety devices,1 such as seatbelts and front-wheel drive.2 The Speedway has also played a role in breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in motorsports. In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify and compete in the Indianapolis 500 (Indy 500), paving the way for future female racers.3
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to what is considered by many to be world’s largest single-day sports event: the Indy 500.4 Since its inaugural race in 1911, the Indy 500—known as “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing”—has been an integral part of local culture and economy. The Speedway draws hundreds of thousands of residents and out-of-state visitors annually to watch hallmark races, including the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400.5 Races and associated events at the Speedway generate substantial revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Annually, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to Indiana’s economy.5
Climate Impacts: Rising Temperatures Can Affect Spectator Safety and Driver Performance
Since competitions held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are outdoors, spectators are largely exposed to the elements. Hot temperatures, coupled with high humidity and minimal shade, can make spectators less comfortable and more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.6 Heat stroke is a serious illness that occurs when body temperature rises rapidly and cannot cool. It often presents with dizziness, excessive sweating, and nausea, and can lead to loss of consciousness.7 Extreme heat has already affected spectators at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After extreme July heat and attendee complaints in 2017, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway proactively rescheduled the Brickyard 400 the following year to early September.8 In May of 2018, the temperatures at the Indy 500 reached 91°F, resulting in roughly 200 attendees needing treatment for heat-related illnesses.9
Extreme heat can affect racecar drivers and the driving experience. Studies show that heat can have negative impacts on driving performance, putting drivers at risk.10 High heat can also have detrimental effects on tire performance.11 Heat can increase tire pressure, weaken tire rubber, and reduce traction, which can make the driver feel less in control of the vehicle and sometimes lead to abrupt tire blowouts. High temperatures can also reduce both the aerodynamic force that stabilizes the car, causing the cars to have less grip on the track, and the engine efficiency, requiring more frequent refueling.6
Climate change is making warmer temperatures more common. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Indiana has experienced approximately 1.5°F of warming, with warming concentrated in winter and spring.12 The average temperature for the last week in May (Indy 500 race week) is approximately 3.5°F higher than it was in 1950.6 The number of hot days (85°F–95°F) and the number of extremely hot days (95°F or above) are expected to increase in Indiana.6 Observed and projected warming trends could put outdoor events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at risk, potentially affecting tourism and the associated economy.
Heavy Precipitation Can Affect Driving Conditions
Races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are sometimes postponed due to rain.13 Wet conditions and a slippery track make it difficult to stop and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning, putting drivers at risk.14 Schedule changes can be challenging for out-of-state visitors who have booked travel accordingly, as well as for facility staff who are forced to adjust.
The average annual rainfall in Indiana has already increased 15 percent since 1895, and this trend is expected to continue with climate change.6 Additionally, rain is expected to occur more often in the form of heavy downpours, increasing the intensity and frequency of flood events.12 A flooded racetrack would require race postponement until officials deem driving conditions safe enough to proceed. With projected increases in precipitation in Indiana, Speedway organizers may need to account for additional postponements due to rain.
Taking Action: Preparing for Changing Conditions
Addressing climate change requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for and protecting against current and future climate impacts. Communities, public officials, and individuals in every part of the United States can continue to explore and implement climate adaptation and mitigation measures. In Indiana, event organizers can continue to take steps to respond to changing conditions, including:
- Schedule changes. To avoid high temperatures, organizers of sporting events may consider adjusting the timing. Heat was cited as factor in the postponement of the 2018 Brickyard 400, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway may consider shifting the dates of future racing events to cooler periods when extreme heat poses less of a threat.15
- Climate-resilient design. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway can continue to evaluate and invest in infrastructure that is more resilient to increasing temperatures. In response to rising temperatures, outdoor facilities can create more shaded spectator sections and provide misting amenities that help keep spectators cool.16
To learn more about climate change impacts in Indiana and the Midwest region, see Chapter 24 of the Fifth National Climate Assessment.
Related Resources
- Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves (EPA)
- Indiana State Climate Summary 2022 (NOAA)
- Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment (Purdue University)
- Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
References
1 Indiana Historical Bureau. (2020, December 16). Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indiana Historical Bureau. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.in.gov/history/state-historical-markers/find-a-marker/indianapolis-motor-speedway/
2 Olson, J. (2020, June 13). Race to develop automotive, safety technology never stops at IMS. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/07/13/race-to-develop-automotive-safety-technology-never-stops-at-ims
3 The Automotive Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Janet Guthrie. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/janet-guthrie/
4 2024 Indy Motor Speedway Solar Eclipse – NASA Solar System Exploration. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/events/248/2024-indy-motor-speedway-solar-eclipse/?category=eclipses_general
5 Klacik, J. D., Nannery, R., & Siler, J. (2023). An updated analysis of the economic and fiscal contributions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indiana University Public Policy Institute. https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/-/media/IMS/pdf/2023/Economic%20Impact%20Study%202022-2023
6 Day, J., Chin, N., Sydnor, S., Widhalm, M., Shah, K. U., & Dorworth, L. (2021). Implications of climate change for tourism and outdoor recreation: an Indiana, USA, case study. Climatic Change, 169(3–4), 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-021-03284-w
7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Heat-Related Illnesses. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html
8 Ayello, J., & Keefer, Z. (2017, May 23). NASCAR moves Brickyard 400 to September starting in ’18. The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2017/05/23/nascar-moves-brickyard-400-september/337839001/
9 Briggs, J. T., David Lindquist and James Briggs. (2018, May 27). Nearly 200 treated as temperatures just miss record high at Indy 500. The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2018/05/27/indy-500-2018-temperature-heat-treatment/645161002/
10 Walker, S. M., Ackland, T. R., & Dawson, B. (2001). The combined effect of heat and carbon monoxide on the performance of motorsport athletes. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 128(4), 709–718. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1095-6433(01)00277-X
11 Conant, F. S. (1971). Tire temperatures. Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 44(2), 397–439. https://doi.org/10.5254/1.3547374
12 Frankson, R., Kunkel, K. E., Champion, S. M., Stewart, B. C., & Runkle, J. (2022). Indiana state climate summary 2022 (NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-IN). NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. https://statesummaries.ncics.org/chapter/in
13 Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (n.d.). Indianapolis 500 rain postponements. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/rain-delays
14 Spitzhüttl, F., Goizet, F., Unger, T., & Biesse, F. (2020). The real impact of full hydroplaning on driving safety. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 138, 105458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2020.105458
15 Day, J., Wildhalm, M., Chin, N., Dorworth, L., Shah, K., Sydnor, S., & Dukes, J. (2018). Tourism and recreation in a warmer Indiana: A report from the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment. Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316814
16 Racinais, S., Hosokawa, Y., Akama, T., Bermon, S., Bigard, X., Casa, D. J., Grundstein, A., Jay, O., Massey, A., Migliorini, S., Mountjoy, M., Nikolic, N., Pitsiladis, Y. P., Schobersberger, W., Steinacker, J. M., Yamasawa, F., Zideman, D. A., Engebretsen, L., & Budgett, R. (2023). IOC consensus statement on recommendations and regulations for sport events in the heat. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(1), 8–25. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-105942