This is May: Business booms in Speedway

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — The month of May means big bucks for businesses in Speedway.     

The increase is substantial for these businesses and the enormous increase in traffic means a lot of work as we get closer to the crescendo of May: the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500. 

The sounds of the track bring in glorious sounds. It is every business’s dream: lots of customers.     

“The month of May is insanely crazy,” said Marcia Huff, who owns Barbecue and Bourbon on Main Street.      

Main Street in Speedway comes alive.     

“You can’t describe it; there’s a feeling in the air,” she said.     

You know what they can describe? The money. Daily business at the restaurant doubles in May and quadruples as race day nears, which means all hands on deck.    

“It’s not getting the guests. It’s keeping up — that’s the challenge,” said Huff, who said she doubles her staff in May.          

It’s a turbo boost, not only for the food scene but for all business. Check out Main Attraction Antique Mall’s globe of customers. They’re from all over the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.      

The business has seen 13 years’ worth of customers, many of whom come back every May.     

“A gentleman from Switzerland, the other day, he comes every year. Brings us chocolate candy,” said Bill Norton, who owns the store.     

Norton stocks up on racing memorabilia for months leading up to May — from original track bricks, to pins, to jackets, to glassware, to collectors’ dream items.     

“It’s the number one sought-after toy racer probably in the world,” said Norton, referring to the 1952 Indy 500 winner Troy Ruttman toy race car.     

“That’s a museum piece,” he said.     

So enjoy the track; enjoy the sights and sounds. Then Main Street is waiting with open arms.