Fans are back in Speedway after racing returns to IMS

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — The noise of the track is bringing business back to Main Street in Speedway.

For the first time in weeks, people were waiting in lines to get into restaurants like Barbecue and Bourbon. 

General manager Marley Sommers said people just want to be as close to the excitement of the track as possible.

“They’re here for the atmosphere. They want to hear the cars and say they’re in Speedway.”

The owners told News 8 they lost $138,000 in May alone and were counting on a race in August to make up for lost business.

Restaurant employees hope the momentum continues after racing season ends.

Sommers said the increase in business gives her hope but she is afraid it won’t be enough.

“To not have Carb Day part and the concerts and all the things that make people want to be in Speedway will always hurt,” said Sommers.

In an effort to get more people to visit restaurants in Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Susan Decker Media launched “Fan Fuel.” There are several offers and specials at participating restaurants. You can find more online.