INDIANAPOLIS—A new era is coming to the State Fairgrounds, and with it, another era is ending.
This year's Hoosier Hundred dirt track race, a month-of-May event dating to 1953, will be the last.
That's because the one mile dirt track at the fairgrounds will be converted to an all-weather track made of crushed limestone.
The work should be done in time for the 2020 fair.
"The Indiana State Fair Commission is pleased that the track conversion will improve safety, enhance the guest experience and allow the continuation of harness racing," said State Fair Commission Director Cindy Hoye. "However, we also recognize the storied history that the track has played in auto racing and we encourage the public to attend the Hoosier Hundred and pay homage to the race."
The last Hoosier Hundred at the fairgrounds will be May 23rd.
Harness racing, which has long taken place at the Indiana State Fair, will still be possible on the new one mile limestone surface.
As part of the changes, the half mile track located in the infield will be eliminated, making room for more parking spaces.
Parking will also be possible on the limestone track, something that couldn't be done when the dirt track was wet.
