National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park officials today detailed an extensive multi-year development plan to modernize and enhance the world’s most famous drag strip and home of the sport’s most prestigious drag race, the U.S. Nationals. The plan is headlined by the construction of a modern new three-story Wally Parks Tower. This ambitious project is set to reshape the fan and competitor experience at the historic venue, beginning with major upgrades in the first phase that are slated for completion by 2025.
Kasey Coler, Vice President of Track Management & Operations at NHRA, emphasized the significance of the redevelopment. “We’ve been operating this facility much the same way it was laid out 60 years ago. It’s time to modernize and right-size the property to better serve our fans and participants,” Coler states.
The centerpiece of the redevelopment is the new Wally Parks Tower, a three-story structure designed to house race control, a media center, TV broadcast capabilities, and four luxury suites. The roof will feature an overview area, providing a stunning vantage point of the track. This state-of-the-art facility is targeted to be ready in time for the 2025 U.S. Nationals. “The new tower will offer unparalleled views and amenities, enhancing the overall race day experience,” Coler adds.
Concurrent with the tower construction, a comprehensive overhaul of the current suites will begin this November. The existing eight suites will be fully remodeled, complete with a new elevator for improved accessibility. “We’re committed to providing a premium experience for our suite holders, and these renovations are a big part of that commitment,” says Coler.
Another key aspect of the redevelopment is the introduction of a new entrance on the west side of the property, creating a direct road from the town of Brownsburg. This new access point will significantly improve traffic flow and accessibility. “We want a welcoming front door to this facility that represents the NHRA, the U.S. Nationals, and the history of this facility in the proper regard.” says Coler.
To facilitate better movement within the facility, a new road will be constructed at the top end, allowing traffic to flow to both sides of the track without disrupting the staging lanes. “This is all about making the experience more efficient and enjoyable for everyone who comes here,” Coler noted.
The modernization plan is being executed in phases. Phase one focuses on the construction of the new tower and the renovation of the suites. Phase two will involve creating the new entrance, which will be situated where Gate 6 is presently located, roughly in line with the multi-lane boulevard that was built between the Ronald Reagan Parkway and the dragway last year.
“We thought about how we could lay this out where it’s most advantageous for our fans and our participants. We really focused on the West side of the property, and we determined that long term, the West side will become the hub of activity, with the pro pits, the midway, and enhanced fan experiences all located there,” Coler explains. “We’re really trying to right-size the property and make it so that things are closer and not as spread out as they are today. This new layout will better serve everyone in the long term.”
Phase three, which will fully transform the facility, will see the transfer of the pro and sportsman pits from their traditional and respective sides of the track to the other.
Coler elaborated on the master plan’s rationale, highlighting the dramatic changes in the surrounding areas over the past decades. “We have a beautiful new four-lane highway to the west called Ronald Reagan Parkway, which connects us to the airport in just 15 minutes and to I-74 in about five minutes. This new entrance will leverage that connectivity, providing easier and safer access to the raceway.”
As part of the pit area transition, a new road will be built beyond the drag strip’s terminus to connect the two sides to allow traffic to flow back and forth without being forced to utilize the staging lanes as is required with the current track layout. The NHRA is working with county engineers to develop a plan to relocate the ditch that runs through the West side pit area and underneath the racetrack, to allow for the leveling of that side for the professional pit area in the coming years.
The NHRA is investing significantly in this project, utilizing funds from the sale of the Atlanta Dragway and its headquarters in Glendora, California. “This redevelopment has been in the works for several years, and we’re excited to finally bring it to life. It’s about preserving the legacy of the U.S. Nationals and ensuring this facility remains a top-tier venue for decades to come,” Coler says.
Despite the extensive nature of the project, the NHRA is committed to maintaining its schedule of events. The new tower and suite renovations are expected to be completed by late summer of 2025, with work continuing throughout the season. “Fans attending the U.S. Nationals this year will see the progress and can look forward to experiencing the new amenities next year,” Coler assures.
Coler says NHRA and track officials briefly looked at the possibility of bringing the original dragway tower, often referred to as the D-A Tower or TRW Tower, that now resides in turn four of the oval track, back over as a fill-in for the 70th U.S. Nationals this coming Labor Day weekend, but ultimately chose to use a makeshift race control facility.
Addressing concerns about the surrounding residential developments, Coler emphasized the positive relationship between the raceway and the local community. “Brownsburg is the unofficial home of drag racing, and we have strong support from the town and Hendricks County. We’re mindful of our impact and aim to be good neighbors while continuing to provide world-class racing events.”
With these transformative plans, the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is set to usher in a new era and elevate its place as a premier motorsports destination.
Multi-phase approach
Phase 1 – Tower and Suites
Phase 2 – New Entrance
Phase 3 – Transition pit areas
- Introduction of New Wally Parks Tower (targeted for completion in time for 2025 U.S. Nationals)
- Three stories (race control, media center, TV broadcast capabilities, four suites, viewing area on the roof)
- Renovation of current suites (overhaul beginning in November 2024) with new elevator and full remodel of all eight suites
- New entrance on the West side (new road from the town of Brownsburg leading into the property)
- Professional pit area, midway, fan experiences, as well as spectator parking will shift to the West side of the track
- Sportsman pit area will move to the East side
- New road will be introduced on the top end of the track to allow traffic flow to both sides of the facility
