INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy 500 only happens once a year, but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is ready to give visitors that race day experience every day.

The museum will reopen Wednesday after spending $60 million on a complete renovation. It was closed for a year and a half while it was under reconstruction.
"We've finally created a world-class museum devoted to the Indianapolis 500, and now it's up to the public to validate that," said museum president Joe Hale.

The new museum experience features a recreation of Gasoline Alley through the years, a movie that captures the traditions leading up to race day, and a prominent rotating podium for the Borg-Warner trophy.
Hale said he's most proud of the interactive elements, such as places to practice changing a tire or driving a lap in a race simulator.

"You're not walking into what may appear to be an indoor parking lot anymore," Hale said. "We have a museum that's immersive, participatory, and educational."
The outside of the building is mostly unchanged from its current structure, which opened in 1976. However, the construction within the walls doubled the amount of available exhibit space.

Hale hopes it leaves a lasting impression on both Hoosiers and visitors.
"I don't care where you go in the world. If you mention you're from Indianapolis or from Indiana, typically that person is going to know us because of the Indy 500," Hale said.

Tickets are available at this link.
-
'Indyfluencer' initiative is helping folks acclimate to life in the Circle City
Imagine you just moved to a new city — you’re unfamiliar with the area, the culture, the people. The 'Indyfluencer' initiative through the Indy Chamber is helping folks acclimate to life in the city.Dust, dirt and debris: Why breathing isn't always easy on the farm
Whether it is dust from the fields being harvested or dust from livestock bedding, farmers are constantly breathing it.Fan excitement is high after IU Hoosiers' statement win over Oregon Ducks
Indiana defeated #3 Oregon on Saturday. The unbeaten Hoosiers replaced the Ducks as the #3 team in the Associated Press poll this week, which is Indiana's highest ranking in program history.Hamilton Co. grows as Westfield welcomes new North American headquarters
Hamilton County’s growth continues to surge as Westfield officials celebrated another major business development Monday, highlighting the city’s rapid expansion and appeal to employers.