When the NHRA announced the sale of Atlanta Dragway in 2021, the sanctioning body announced that the money acquired would be used to improve its current facilities—Indianapolis Raceway Park and Gainesville Raceway.

NHRA confirmed today a three-phase rebuilding plan for Indianapolis Raceway Park, which includes a new control tower, fan experience enhancements, and a return of the professional pits to the West side of the iconic facility. 

The NHRA announced its future building plans at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, unveiling a multi-phase plan for the legendary facility that includes a new Wally Parks Tower, renovated suites, a new entrance for fans, and moving the professional pits to the west side of the facility.

As part of an overall reinvestment into the facilities the NHRA owns and operates, the reimaging of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will be a multi-year project and begins this year. The project will take place over three phases.

This year’s NHRA U.S. Nationals will run out of a temporary tower set-up until the new Wally Parks Tower is completed in 2025. The new control center will be a three-story facility featuring race control, media center, television broadcasting capabilities, and three suites on the third floor.

The new tower will also include an open-air covered roof with an overview area and an event space that can host more than 500 people. The futuristic tower will also have dedicated bathrooms, a staircase, and an elevator and will sit in the same area as the previous tower.

“We’re very excited to introduce these plans for Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The U.S. Nationals is the hallmark of our schedule, and we’re investing for the long-term to continue to make this the crown jewel on the NHRA schedule and as a facility on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour,” NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations Kasey Coler said.

“This project is the start of a multi-phase approach, and it’s a project that will provide improvements for all the stakeholders involved in the sport: race teams, fans, sponsors, media, and race officials. There’s going to be something for everyone, and we’re so thrilled to see this project come to life.”

The current suites, located atop the west side grandstands, will undergo a full remodel and have new elevators installed starting in November. 

The project’s second phase will include a new route into the track, 
aligning with the new road built by the city of Brownsburg to lead into the property. The ditch relocation will be part of this phase, along with several different fan enhancements, including a new ADA parking lot, upgraded parking and transportation options, new and renovated restrooms and food and beverage buildings, an updated ticketing building, and more.

The third phase will bring the professional pits to the west side and the manufacturer’s Midway. Once grassy pit spaces, the area will be paved. Fan parking will also shift to that side of the track, allowing fans more accessible access to the pro pits and a more fan-friendly way to enjoy both sides of the track. A road will also be placed at the top end of the track, allowing traffic to both sides of the facility.

Racers in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will move to the east side of the pits (where the professional classes currently are parked), helping better serve all the racers competing at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

That phase will also include an investment in a new ADA parking lot, enhanced parking options, updated transportation options, renovated restrooms, food and beverage buildings, an updated ticketing building, and much more.

“There will be a lot of updates to the fan amenities, either refreshing what we have or introducing new options,” Coler said. “It’s exciting to see what the future holds for this great facility.”

Full renderings of the new Wally Parks Tower and upcoming renovations will also be displayed at the upcoming 70th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals, which takes place Aug. 28-Sept. 2 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.