RVs benefit from Indy 500 technology

The majority of RVers have motorhomes or trucks with turbochargers to boost performance. You can thank the racing industry for this technology because it was developed to give drivers an edge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The next time you RV through Indiana consider stopping at the Speedway for a tour of the museum and the track. The museum is located on the infield and you have to drive your RV under the track (clearance 13 feet 11 inches) to get there. There is ample room for parking your RV.One of the more interesting exhibits is the “Gasoline Alley” garage reproduction. The Speedway is the original and one of the few racetracks to have these garages on the infield.

You’ll be impressed with the many winning cars they have on display including the very first winner from the 1911 race. Car 32 was a racing version of the locally built Marmon passenger car driven by Ray Harroun. We take it for granted now, but in 1911 this car sported the first rear view mirror on an automobile. Just one of many examples of how Indy 500 racing has improved on automotive safety.

The nickname “The Brickyard” was earned after they resurfaced the track with 3,200,000 10 pound paving bricks. A narrow three foot strip at the finish line is all that remains of these bricks.Bus tours of the track leave every 15 minutes and cost $3.00. The admission for the museum is also $3.00. You’ll be richly rewarded with a visit to the worlds oldest operational automobile racetrack. Because of this race all RVers are winners because we inherit the technology. See you in the winners circle - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing