Speedway, Indiana

Town in Indiana, United States

Town in Indiana, United States

Speedway, Indiana

Town

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the town of Speedway in 2005

Flag

Seal

Logo

Nicknames:

"Home of the 500"; "Racing Capital of the World"

Location in Marion County, Indiana

Coordinates: 39°47′43″N 86°15′18″W﻿ / ﻿39.79528°N 86.25500°W﻿ / 39.79528; -86.25500
Country|  United States
State|  Indiana
County| Marion
Township| Wayne
Incorporated| July 14, 1926
Government

• Town Manager| Grant Kleinhenz
Area

[1]

• Total

| 4.79 sq mi (12.40 km2)
• Land| 4.79 sq mi (12.40 km2)
• Water| 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation

[2]

| 728 ft (222 m)
Population

(2020)[3]

• Total

| 13,952
• Density| 2,915.17/sq mi (1,125.55/km2)
Time zone| UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)| UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code|

46224

Area code| 317
FIPS code| 18-71828[4]
GNIS feature ID| 2397670[2]
Website| www.speedwayin.gov

Speedway is a town in Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana, United States. The population was 13,952 at the 2020 census,[3] up from 11,812 in 2010.[5] Speedway, which is an enclave of Indianapolis, is the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

## History

[edit]

Speedway was laid out in 1912 as a residential suburb.[6] It took its name from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, constructed three years earlier.[7] It is an early example of a residential community planned for the industrial plants located nearby.[8] Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Frank Wheeler, and Arthur Newby, founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, planned the suburb of Speedway west of the track.[9] Fisher and Allison owned plants that needed workers, the Prest-O-Lite factory and Allison Engine Company. The investors' goal was to create a city without horses, where residents would drive automobiles, as well as participate in creating mechanical parts for new modes of transportation.[8]

Speedway was incorporated as a town in July 1926.[10] The Speedway Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.[11]

## Geography

[edit]

Speedway is located in western Marion County. It is 5 miles (8 km) west-northwest of downtown Indianapolis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Speedway has a total area of 4.79 square miles (12.41 km2), of which 0.004 square miles (0.01 km2), or 0.08%, are water.[1] The town is drained by Eagle Creek, which runs along the southwest edge of town, and its tributaries Dry Run and Little Eagle Creek, which flow past or around the speedway. Eagle Creek continues east to join the White River in southwest Marion County.

### Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Speedway has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.[12] With a January daily mean of −2 °C (28 °F) however, Speedway is very close to the humid continental type.

Climate data for Speedway

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 34
(1)  | 39
(4)  | 48
(9)  | 63
(17)  | 72
(22)  | 81
(27)  | 84
(29)  | 82
(28)  | 77
(25)  | 64
(18)  | 50
(10)  | 39
(4)  | 61
(16)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 28
(−2)  | 32
(0)  | 39
(4)  | 52
(11)  | 63
(17)  | 72
(22)  | 75
(24)  | 73
(23)  | 66
(19)  | 55
(13)  | 41
(5)  | 32
(0)  | 52
(11)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 19
(−7)  | 23
(−5)  | 32
(0)  | 41
(5)  | 50
(10)  | 61
(16)  | 64
(18)  | 63
(17)  | 54
(12)  | 43
(6)  | 32
(0)  | 25
(−4)  | 41
(5)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 2.8
(72)  | 2.5
(63)  | 3.8
(96)  | 3.7
(94)  | 4.1
(103)  | 4.0
(102)  | 4.0
(102)  | 3.3
(84)  | 3.1
(78)  | 2.7
(68)  | 3.2
(82)  | 2.9
(73)  | 40.0
(1,017)
Source: [13]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1930| 1,420| | —
1940| 2,325| | 63.7%
1950| 5,498| | 136.5%
1960| 9,624| | 75.0%
1970| 14,523| | 50.9%
1980| 12,641| | −13.0%
1990| 13,092| | 3.6%
2000| 12,881| | −1.6%
2010| 11,812| | −8.3%
2020| 13,952| | 18.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the census[15] of 2010, 11,812 people, 5,550 households, and 2,931 families resided in the town. The population density was 2,481.5 inhabitants per square mile (958.1/km2). The 6,709 housing units averaged 1,409.5 per square mile (544.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 74.2% White, 16.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 4.4% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 7.6% of the population.

Of the 5,550 households, 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.4% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.2% were not families. About 39.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the town was 37.8 years. About 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 14.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[4] of 2000, 12,882 people, 6,151 households, and 3,278 families resided in the town. The 6,151 households had 24.5% with children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% married couples living together, 12.5% female householders with no husband present, and 46.7% not families. In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,713, and for a family was $49,005. Males had a median income of $36,756 versus $26,954 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,468. About 5.6% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.7% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

## Education

[edit]

* The School Town of Speedway has six campuses, including the Speedway Senior High School, and an enrollment of approximately 1,650 students.
* St Christopher School

The town has a lending library, the Speedway Public Library.[16]

## Economy

[edit]

Dallara IndyCar Factory

In addition to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself, several related companies are located south of the racetrack, including the United States Auto Club headquarters, the Dallara racecar factory, racing teams A. J. Foyt Racing, and Harding Racing, and the Speedway Indoor karting racetrack. Also, Allison Transmission has a factory nearby.[17]

## Notable people

[edit]

* Donald Davidson, historian
* Joyce DeWitt, actress
* Barbara Higbie, jazz musician and composer[18]
* Mason Jobst, ice hockey player
* J. Emmett McManamon, 33rd Indiana Attorney General[19]
* Stevie Reeves, racing driver
* Zachary Tinkle, racing driver

## Sister cities

[edit]

* Motegi, Tochigi, Japan
* Varano de' Melegari, Italy

## See also

[edit]

* Burger Chef murders
* Speedway bombings
* List of Indianapolis neighborhoods
* List of inner suburbs in the United States
* List of cities surrounded by another city

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "2022 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Indiana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Speedway, Indiana
3. ^ a b "P1. Race – Speedway town, Indiana: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
4. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
5. ^ "P1. Race – Speedway town, Indiana: 2010 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
6. ^ Bodenhamer, David J.; Barrows, Robert G. (November 22, 1994). The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Indiana University Press. p. 1284\. ISBN 0-253-11249-4.
7. ^ Baker, Ronald L. (October 1995). From Needmore to Prosperity: Hoosier Place Names in Folklore and History. Indiana University Press. p. 308. ISBN 978-0-253-32866-3. "...named the city for "Speedway Course"..."
8. ^ a b "Speedway Historic District". nps.gov. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
9. ^ "Feel the Need for Speed in Indy". nps.gov. Archived from the original on August 27, 2007. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
10. ^ "1926: IMS pagoda on fire, rookie wins the 500". WRTV Indianapolis. March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
11. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
12. ^ "Speedway, Indiana Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
13. ^ "Speedway, Indiana Temperature Averages". Weatherbase. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
14. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
15. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
16. ^ "Indiana public library directory" (PDF). Indiana State Library. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
17. ^ Fowler, Ashley (November 15, 2023). "Strike averted at Allison Transmission in Speedway". WISH-TV. Indianapolis. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
18. ^ Washington Post, November 23, 1990
19. ^ "Former Attorney General Stricken Fatally in Cab". Jeffersonville Evening News. August 6, 1954.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Speedway, Indiana.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Marion County, Indiana, United States

County seat: Indianapolis

Excluded cities (Unigov)|

* Beech Grove
* Indianapolis (balance)
* Lawrence
* Southport

Excluded town (Unigov)|

* Speedway

Townships|

* Center
* Decatur
* Franklin
* Lawrence
* Perry
* Pike
* Warren
* Washington
* Wayne

Included towns (Unigov)|

* Clermont
* Crows Nest
* Cumberland‡
* Homecroft
* Meridian Hills
* North Crows Nest
* Rocky Ripple
* Spring Hill
* Warren Park
* Williams Creek
* Wynnedale

Footnotes|

‡ Part of Cumberland is in Hancock County. Only the portion in Marion County is subject to Unigov as an included town.

* Indiana portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

Indianapolis metropolitan area

Principal cities|

* Indianapolis (balance)
* Carmel
* Greenwood
* Anderson

Municipalities with
population over 20,000
(in 2020)|

* Avon
* Brownsburg
* Fishers
* Franklin
* Greenfield
* Lawrence
* Noblesville
* Plainfield
* Shelbyville
* Westfield
* Zionsville

Municipalities with
population of 20,000–1,000
(in 2020)

* Alexandria
* Arcadia
* Bargersville
* Beech Grove
* Brooklyn
* Chesterfield‡
* Cicero
* Clermont
* Cumberland
* Danville
* Edgewood
* Edinburgh‡
* Elwood
* Fortville
* Frankton
* Greencastle
* Ingalls
* Lapel
* Lebanon
* Martinsville
* McCordsville
* Meridian Hills
* Monrovia
* Mooresville
* Morgantown
* Morristown
* Nashville
* New Palestine
* New Whiteland
* Pendleton
* Pittsboro
* Prince's Lakes
* Sheridan
* Southport
* Speedway
* Thorntown
* Tipton
* Trafalgar
* Warren Park
* Whiteland
* Whitestown

Municipalities with
population under 1,000
(in 2020)

* Advance
* Amo
* Atlanta
* Bethany
* Clayton
* Coatesville
* Country Club Heights
* Crows Nest
* Fairland
* Homecroft
* Jamestown
* Kempton
* Lizton
* Markleville
* North Crows Nest
* North Salem
* Orestes
* Paragon
* River Forest
* Rocky Ripple
* St. Paul‡
* Sharpsville
* Shirley‡
* Spring Hill
* Spring Lake
* Stilesville
* Summitville
* Ulen
* Wilkinson
* Williams Creek
* Windfall
* Woodlawn Heights
* Wynnedale

Census-designated places

* Cordry Sweetwater Lakes
* Painted Hills
* Waldron

Counties

* Boone
* Brown
* Hamilton
* Hancock
* Hendricks
* Johnson
* Madison
* Marion
* Morgan
* Shelby
* Tipton

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in counties outside of the MSA

* v
* t
* e

Indianapolis 500

Races by year|

| 1910s|

* 1911
* 1912
* 1913
* 1914
* 1915
* 1916
* 1917
* 1918
* 1919

|

1920s|

* 1920
* 1921
* 1922
* 1923
* 1924
* 1925
* 1926
* 1927
* 1928
* 1929

1930s|

* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* 1934
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939

1940s|

* 1940
* 1941
* ~~1942~~
* 1943
* 1944
* 1945
* 1946
* 1947
* 1948
* 1949

1950s|

* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959

1960s|

* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969

1970s|

* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979

1980s|

* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989

1990s|

* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999

2000s|

* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009

2010s|

* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019

2020s|

* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Track|

* Indianapolis Motor Speedway
* Race results
* IMS Museum
* Gasoline Alley
* Snake Pit

Statistics|

* Winners
* Pole-sitters
* Lap leaders
* Rookie of the Year
* Fatalities
* Firsts
* Pace cars
* Records
* Fastest laps
* By year
* Scott Brayton Award
* Louis Schwitzer Award
* Pit Stop Challenge

Drivers|

* List of drivers
* Non-qualifying drivers
* Female participants

Sanctioning bodies|

* AAA Contest Board (1909–1955)
* AIACR (1925–1930)
* FIA (1950–1960)
* USAC (1956–1997)
* IndyCar (1998–present)

Ownership|

* Carl Fisher
* James Allison
* Arthur Newby
* Frank A. Wheeler
* Eddie Rickenbacker
* Tony Hulman
* Wilbur Shaw
* Mary F. Hulman
* Mari Hulman George
* Tony George
* Joie Chitwood
* Jeff Belskus
* Hulman & Company
* Roger Penske

Officials|

* Charlie Merz
* Tommy Milton
* Harry McQuinn
* Harlan Fengler
* Tom Binford
* Brian Barnhart

Broadcasting|

| Radio|

* Bill Slater
* Sid Collins
* Paul Page
* Lou Palmer
* Bob Jenkins
* Mike King
* Donald Davidson
* Jerry Baker
* Bob Lamey

|

Television|

* Jim McKay
* Jackie Stewart
* Chris Schenkel
* Chris Economaki
* Sam Posey
* Jack Arute
* Jim Lampley
* Paul Page
* Bob Jenkins
* Todd Harris
* Marty Reid
* Allen Bestwick
* Leigh Diffey
* Will Buxton

Other|

* Tom Carnegie
* Robin Miller
* Ron McQueeney

Related events|

| Month of May|

* Mini-Marathon
* Indy Lights road course
* Night Before the 500/Carb Night Classic
* Indiana Fairgrounds (Hoosier Hundred)
* Anderson Speedway (Little 500)

|

Summer NASCAR Weekend|

* Brickyard 400
* Pennzoil 250

Other|

* U.S. Grand Prix
* Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix
* Triple Crown of Motorsport
* Freedom 100
* Brickyard Grand Prix
* Brickyard Sports Car Challenge
* IROC at Indy
* Indy Legends Charity Pro–Am race
* Red Bull Air Race of Indianapolis
* Harvest Auto Racing Classic
* Pennzoil 150
* Verizon 200 at the Brickyard
* Gallagher Grand Prix

Golf at IMS|

* Champions Tour
* PGA Tour
* LPGA Tour

Related area|

* Town of Speedway
* Indianapolis
* Sports in Indianapolis
* Little 500 (cycling)

Lore|

* Riding mechanic
* Andretti Curse
* Borg-Warner Trophy
* Indy/Charlotte "Double Duty"
* Entertainment
* Traditions
* Jigger Award
* Will Overhead
* 100 mph Club
* The Greatest 33
* Jim Nabors
* Turbo

* No races held in 1917–1918 or 1942–1945 due to World War I and World War II, respectively.

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Israel

*[Pop.]: Population
*[%±]: Percent change
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template