A new study conducted by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute found the Indianapolis Motor Speedway generated $1.06 billion in annual economic activity from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.
The Speedway is an internationally recognized motorsports icon. It’s the largest stadium in overall capacity and has a notable impact on the state’s economy.
The study examined how much money was spent within the state exclusively because of IMS. It examined both out-of-state and resident spending.
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Rebecca Nannery is a senior policy analyst at the IU Public Policy Institute at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and one of the authors of the study.
“The $1 billion in economic contribution to the State of Indiana would not have happened but for the presence of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the state,” Nannery said.
The study found more than half of that total occurs in May, as a result of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500. It accounted for $566.4 million on its own. Nannery says half of that economic impact came from out-of-state visitors.
Revenues measured include broadcasting rights, tickets and suites, concessions, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and parking. The rest comes from other track events such as Carb Day and Brickyard, in addition to the IMS Museum.
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For comparison, according to a research study from Arizona State University, Super Bowl 57 contributed a record-breaking $1.3 billion to that state’s economy.
The economic impact of IMS is felt statewide. Nannery says the IMS supported 8,440 jobs both directly and indirectly through its events.
“$360 million of the impact is due to wages… so it’s kind of this cascade of benefits to the Indiana economy in the form of wages,” Nannery said.
The previous study was conducted in 2013 and found the track generated $510 million annually to the state economy at that time, suggesting a doubling in 10 years.
