Latest news with #UnitedStatesGrandPrix
The Print
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Print
Plot twists, penalties & papaya dominance, F1's 2025 season is pure chaos in motion
While Formula One is traditionally centred around pole positions, tyre management and strategy, the 2025 season has produced some viral and memorable moments. New Delhi: With its mayhem and chaos, Formula One in its current season has felt less like a motorsport championship and more like a reality TV show with viewers clutching as if they were witnessing Netflix docu-series Drive to Survive in real time. First, McLaren, dubbed the team in papaya, caused a stir when Oscar Piastri bounced back from a disappointing Australian Grand Prix by converting pole position into an assured victory. Then, Lando Norris followed up by clinching a podium just nine seconds behind Piastri. Real drama unfolded when Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified from the race as their cars failed to clear post-race technical checks. Leclerc's car was found to be 1 kg lighter than the minimum weight requirement, while Hamilton was disqualified due to excessive wear on the skid block—the same issue with the wooden plank beneath the car that had previously cost him a second-place finish at the 2023 United States Grand Prix when he was driving for Mercedes. Alpine's Pierre Gasly finished 11th but was also disqualified for failing post-weight check-ins. If Shanghai was the opening act, Bahrain was the ultimate plot twist. One of the highlights was when McLaren's rising star Piastri clinched pole position at the onset and converted it into a spectacular win at the Bahrain Grand Prix. His teammate Norris, who ascended from sixth to third position, quite literally planted his flag and dipped. Meanwhile, Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda and Williams' Carlos Sainz were caught in a minor collision, which forced Sainz to retire from the Grand Prix, a race he later admitted had been 'frustrating'. Also Read: The F1 movie is visually revolutionary. That still can't make up for a weak storyline F1 never stays quiet for long Bahrain delivered the chaos, Miami brought the heat and then Monaco added the glitz. Drama unfolded at the Miami Grand Prix where Red Bull's Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for an unsafe release into the path of Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. It wasn't just messy, but also shattered the momentum with Verstappen being dropped down the order and injecting fresh chaos into an already volatile midfield. Monaco in May delivered its trademark glitz but fell short on fireworks. Norris claimed pole and handled the race start with clinical precision, reaffirming that McLaren's resurgence wasn't just a flash in the pan. While practice saw its share of drama–including crashes from Hamilton and Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar–race day played out with surprising restraint. Up front, it was a clean shuffle among the usual suspects: Leclerc, Norris and Verstappen held onto formation like chess pieces on a million-dollar board. No wild overtakes, no rain curveballs, just textbook precision on Formula One's most unforgiving circuit. The Austrian Grand Prix came in hot–or rather locked up and reckless–as Antonelli ploughed into Verstappen at Turn 3 of the first lap. It wiped both of them out and an early safety car was triggered. Verstappen was fuming over the team radio but attempted to keep it cool after the race. Antonelli took the blame upon himself and Red Bull's golden weekend ended before it even began. Then came Silverstone, or the British Grand Prix, where rain, with penalties and redemption arcs arrived in dramatic fashion. The first shakeup came when Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was spun at turn 11 following a clumsy collision with Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, prompting a safety car that bunched up the field. A record was broken and Norris claimed a home win. Meanwhile, Piastri was slapped with a 10-second penalty for safety car infringement. There was no end to the excitement. Sauber's Nico Hülkenberg finally landed his first-ever podium after 239 starts in Formula 1, the longest any F1 driver has had to wait for a podium result. He celebrated it with a LEGO trophy, which looked straight out of a toy aisle. However, the F1 world was shaken later in the week with the sudden departure of Christian Horner, who acted as the team principal for Red Bull Racing. He led the team for nearly 20 years. Apart from this the latest speculation surrounded Verstappen leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes for the upcoming Formula One season. Pushed on whether he would set a deadline for Verstappen to decide, Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff confirmed 'conversations behind closed doors' were ongoing. George Russell, the Briton who drives for Mercedes, claimed that he has not been given a new Mercedes contract beyond the current season due to the team having 'ongoing talks' with Verstappen. So far, this season has been 30 percent strategy, 70 percent storyline and 100 percent unpredictable. Drivers are switching teams, penalties are flying and fans are hanging on to the drama by a thread. And the best part? We're only halfway done. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: As F1 world grapples with Red Bull boss Christian Horner's exit, fans have one question—why
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Fernando Alonso and Liam Lawson Share a Laugh After Rivalry Ends
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula One veteran Fernando Alonso and Liam Lawson were seen laughing together after the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, a sign that the two drivers had settled their differences following a heated clash during last year's United States Grand Prix. The 2024 sprint race in Austin saw Alonso and Lawson battle for 16th place when the latter defended his position aggressively. The clash then spilled onto the pit lane after the race. Lawson revealed later that Alonso threatened to "screw" him during qualifying. Speaking after the race, the Kiwi driver said: "I understand he had a pretty horrible race so I can understand why he's upset. Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB chats with Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team following their battle on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red... Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB chats with Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team following their battle on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. More"But if I did anything wrong I'd have got a penalty. "It is what it is, it's part of it – it doesn't bother me." He added: "He said he would screw me, and I guess he kept his word. I don't know. He was really upset. I'm not sure why - we were racing for P16, and I don't know why he was so upset. "It is what it is. Hopefully, he can get over it. And we'll move forward." Alonso said he avoided a big crash with Lawson. He explained: "On the straight, I think we nearly crashed, like I did with Lance two years ago, at 300 km/h or something, and then, the way he squeezed, out of the corners, to the track limits itself, in lap one of [19]." He added: "Everyone on track is behaving as he wants, and for me, today was unnecessary. "Everyone can have different opinions. I'm OK with that. You know, it's 24 races, so you meet somewhere in the journey." Tensions escalated during the Miami sprint race this year when Lawson made contact with Alonso's AMR25, causing him to spin and crash into the wall. Now though, the pair of drivers were seen chatting happily after the race at the Red Bull Ring, where Lawson secured an impressive P6 finish, while Alonso finished seventh. According to MARCA, Alonso approached Lawson to congratulate him on his points finish. Lawson laughed when the Spaniard opened up on how he was able to remain close to him in the DRS zones. Alonso said: "From Turn 4 to 9, I treated it as if it were a time trial, and then at Turn 9, I caught the first detection zone (DRS detection zone), and from there, I used DRS until Turn 1, I used detection again and got DRS until Turn 3. And the same at Turn 4. Then until the new one, like a time trial, and so on for 60 laps. Like a cycling time trial, but without any relays."
Indianapolis Star
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar
Submitted By Todd Parrish Matt Dial, 48, picks up a camera inside the home of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while attending Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, May 31, 2025. Dial, who photographed the Pacers when he worked at IndyStar, has terminal colon cancer. Matt Kryger Matt Dial, a former Pacers photographer who is in the late stages of colon cancer, was able to attend Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the help of friends. He poses with Pacers player Obi Toppin. Matt Kryger Matt Dial (left) with his wife, Shelley, at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Submitted By Todd Parrish Noah Dial (right) at his first Indiana Pacers game with his dad, Matt Dial, during the 2005-2006 season. Noah Dial Dan Wheldon (98), driver for Bryan Herta Autosport, celebrates his win with son Sebastian, after winning his second Indianapolis 500. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Sister Cheryl Miller hugs Reggie Miller during his retirement ceremony. Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, April 20, 2005. Pacers win 85-83. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins, right, jumps into the arms of Devereaux Peters, left, as they defeated Connecticut. Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins shouts with excitement at the conclusion of the game at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rock musician John Mellencamp. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard T.J. Ford (5), right, scores a layup over Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10), left, during the second quarter. Pacers defeat the Hawks 113-96. Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, November 18, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Opening turn in the first lap of the race resulted in a collision among cars in the middle of the pack. The crash resulted in Ralf Schumacher exit from the race. The 8th running of the United States Grand Prix, Indianapolis, IN, Sunday, June 17, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy speaks to the media, NFL Scouting Combine 2007, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, February 23, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rider J.W. Kaler, of Benton Harbor, MI, rides bull "WHITER TRASH" during the first round of tonight's event. Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, February 23, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Roger Penske, team owner of Penske Racing, watches from Sam Hornish Jr.'s pit box during Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers spoke with the media prior to the 2008 NBA Draft at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Matt Dial /The Star Penske driver Ryan Briscoe (6) signals to the crowd as the safety crew helps him exit his crash vehicle on the front stretch. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is surrounded by media for their final day of interviews with the media before Super Bowl Sunday. Media descends on the Indianapolis Colts, AFC Championship winners, speak to the media at their Marriott Harbor Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on February 1, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Brittany Mallory raises her arms at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Driver Danica Patrick after her final practice on Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Andretti-Green driver Danica Patrick enters pit row after her early practice laps. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar The Cirque Du Soleil pre-game show before Super Bowl XLI. Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Fla. Matt Dial/IndyStar Davey Hamilton takes a break from his practice runs under the shade of the pit box. Hamilton is attempting a comeback after suffering career ending injuries at Texas in 2001. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Nicky Hayden (69) team Repsol Honda led the early part of the race as the riders tried to avoid puddles on the track. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record-breaking jump was successful as the car flies past fans in the fourth turn. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar The WNBA Indiana Fever named Lin Dunn, left, head coach this afternoon. Speaking to the media about her decision to make Dunn the new head coach is Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf, right. The former assistant coach for the Fever is replacing Brian Winters. Regarded as one of the most successful women's basketball coaches in history, Lin Dunn has been named as the fourth head coach in Indiana Fever franchise history. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) held a town hall meeting at Plainfield High School, Plainfield, Ind., Saturday, March 15, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward-center Jermaine O'Neal (7), discusses a foul call with a referee. Pacers defeat the 76ers, 102-85. Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, December 19, 2007. (Matt Dial / Staff Photo) Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon celebrates with his team and team owner Chip Ganassi, right. Pole sitter Scott Dixon wins the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500. The 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 25, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Jimmie Johnson and his teammates celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane. Jimmie Johnson wins his second Brickyard 400. Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis, Ind., Sunday, July 27, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pat McAfee (1) was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 7th round. McAfee is a punter out of West Virginia. Colts draft choices were available to talk to the media at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, May 1, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Penske driver Will Power, after his qualifying run. Pole Day qualifications at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Saturday, May 18, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Construction is wrapping up at Lucas Oil Stadium, the new home of the Indianapolis Colts. The public opening for tours on August 16 is a litte over a week from this date. This is an aerial skyline view of downtown Indianapolis from WTHR Chopper 13. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, August 6, 2008. (Matt Dial / The Star From WTHR Chopper 13) Deflation of the RCA Dome started at 10:50 a.m. in this photo sequence. The dome roof took about 40 minutes to settle. (Photo 4 of 6) RCA Dome deflation, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sits dejected on the bench as his team fails to get back into the game. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) does a few pull-ups on the rim as part of his pre-game ritual. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pop artist Kelly Clarkson during the press event. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rossi sprays Champagne to celebrate the victory on the podium. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Dario Franchitti leads the pack around lap 70. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Zionsville quarterback Parker Dunshee (10) is sacked by McCutcheon defensive end Taylor Miller (86) in the first half. Zionsville defeats McCutcheon, 24-3. Zionsville Eagles vs. McCutcheon Mavericks at Zionsville Community High School on August 27, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal walks off the court after participating in a game during a timeout. Tonight's game was Indianapolis Motor Speedway night. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Super Bowl XLVI is kicked off by the New England Patriots to the New York Giants in Lucas Oil Stadium. Super Bowl XLVI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. Matt Dial/IndyStar
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Indy 500 winner 'should be given a chance' as F1 star begs team to sign him
Alex Palou won the Indy 500 for the first time last weekend and the three-time IndyCar champion is now being linked with a Formula 1 drive in the future – if he wants one Carlos Sainz is adamant that "dominant" Alex Palou should be given a chance to prove what he can do in Formula 1. That call comes after the Spaniard won the famous Indy 500 race for the first time last weekend. It was just the latest in a long list of impressive accomplishments managed by Palou in recent years. He never made it to F1 after a brief spell racing in Formula 2 and moved to Japanese Super Formula before joining the IndyCar grid, where he has thrived. Palou made his debut in the US racing series five years ago and has already become a three-time champion. He looks increasingly likely to secure his fourth crown this year as he is more than 100 points clear of nearest challenger Pato O'Ward, his Indy 500 victory marking five wins from six starts so far in 2025. Sainz knows his compatriot very well having competed against him in junior racing categories. "I always rated Alex very highly because I was his team mate in cadets and he was very quick in cadet karting," the Williams F1 star said. Sign up to our free weekly F1 newsletter, Pit Lane Chronicle, by entering your email address below so that every new edition lands straight in your inbox! "But honestly speaking, what he's doing in America is something really admirable. I think to dominate in the way he's dominating, you have to be very good at what you're doing. Formula 1 is a completely different discipline, different world, but I don't have anything else but respect and admiration for what Alex is doing in Indy. "I think someone that is capable of winning the Indy 500, at least he should at some point be given the chance to show what he can do in Formula 1. And if he's quick enough in Formula 1, then he should be welcomed in Formula 1." Fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso is equally impressed with Palou's success but doesn't see why he would need to switch from IndyCar to F1. "I know that most of the drivers dream about a Formula 1 seat and having a career here, but he had the opportunity in IndyCar and he maximised every single day there," said the Aston Martin racer. "He's a legend in IndyCar and he will be a legend always in IndyCar, so I think he's not missing Formula 1. I'm very happy for him because he's a very, very talented driver. We are just following him from here with a lot of respect and as a fan. I was watching on Sunday the race and just hoping that he would finally make it, and he did it, so I'm happy for him." Palou drove in one F1 practice session for McLaren in 2022, at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. But he split from the outfit in 2023 after reneging on an agreement to join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, choosing instead to stick with Chip Ganassi Racing. He flew to London for talks in January this year with the £24million lawsuit still ongoing. In any case, after his Indy 500 win, Palou insisted he is not currently interested in quitting IndyCar for F1. "I don't want to leave now," he said. "[F1] is not calling me anymore. I still follow it – it's a huge series, it's amazing, I'm a big fan – but I don't think they're having as much fun as I'm having here."
Fox Sports
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Just how massive is Indianapolis Motor Speedway compared to other stadiums?
A packed NBA arena can make a ton of noise that belies its size — the largest venue in the league is the United Center in Chicago, home of the Bulls, and it holds just under 21,000 fans. Dodger Stadium is as big as MLB baseball stadiums get, as it sits 56,000 fans, but that's nowhere near as many as the largest NFL stadium — that would be MetLife Stadium, where the Jets and the Giants play, with a capacity of 82,500. Think of how many people all of those venues feel like they hold while you're in them. And then consider that none of them even crack the top 10 — nor do they come anywhere close — of the largest sports venues in the United States. A six-digit capacity is a requirement to make it to that list, and for that, there is only college football and racing, in various forms. West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium (Penn State Nittany Lions, College Football) 106,572 There are eight college football stadiums that seat at least 100,000 fans, and all but one of those was built in the 1920s. The lone exception is the home of Penn State's football team, the Nittany Lions, constructed in 1960. In its current form, anyway: there are parts of the stadium that are well over a century old themselves, as they were part of Penn State's previous venue, a 30,000 seater named New Beaver Field, was disassembled and made part of Beaver Stadium when it opened in 1960. Michigan Stadium (Michigan Wolverines, College Football) 107,601 The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes goes back and forth again and again, to the point that the former won the rivalry game this year but the latter ended up as national champions. If there's one thing that Michigan can lord over Ohio forever, though, it's that Michigan Stadium is larger than The Shoe. Texas Motor Speedway (NASCAR, INDYCAR) 112,662 Texas Motor Speedway used to host INDYCAR races, until 2023, but now finds itself exclusively as the home of multiple NASCAR racing series, like the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. While it's massive compared to the capacity for so many other sports, as far as speedways in America goes not everything is actually bigger in Texas. Las Vegas Motor Speedway (NASCAR) 116,000 While the idea of Las Vegas as a sports city is relatively new — the NHL (Golden Knights, 2017), WNBA (Aces, 2018), and NFL (Raiders, 2020) all arrived within the last decade, and the Las Vegas Athletics are planned as the next addition to the city — the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and NASCAR have been in town for much longer. The track opened up all the way back in 1971, and the Speedway has hosted NASCAR events for nearly three decades now. Tom Rinaldi featured James Hinchcliffe Will Power, Álex Palou & Alexander Rossi to talk about some of the scary realities competing in INDYCAR. Circuit of the Americas (Formula One, NASCAR, MotoGP) 117,439 Formula One's United States Grand Prix runs at the Circuit of the Americas, as does NASCAR's EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, and other various automobile races besides. And there is non-car racing, too, as MotoGP's Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas takes place at this Austin Texas circuit. Circuit of the Americas is constructed differently depending on what kind of race is going on there, naturally, but even with its huge track layout, there are larger racing venues out there. Atlanta Motor Speedway (NASCAR) 125,000 The Atlanta Motor Speedway used to host INDYCAR as well as the IMSA GT Championship, but it's now used for various NASCAR events that are part of the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. It opened way back in 1960, and while it bears Atlanta's name, it's actually located in a suburb of the city, Hampton. The population of Hampton? Just 8,368 as of the 2020 census… unless there happens to be a race going on, of course. Michigan International Speedway (NASCAR) 137,243 Michigan loves its large venues — maybe Comerica Park should consider adding another 10,000-plus seats so it can match up with what old Tiger Stadium used to seat. Speaking of Comerica, the Michigan International Speedway fits more than what three of that stadium could, with room to spare. It currently plays host to NASCAR Cup Series races, as well as the NASCAR Truck Craftsman Series. Bristol Motor Speedway (NASCAR) 153,000 Bristol Motor Speedway, located in Tennessee, is the largest NASCAR track, which is also why it's going to be home to an MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds in 2025 (airing on FOX) — it will surely be the highest-attended game in league history, considering it seats nearly 100,000 additional fans than the league's largest stadium, Dodger Stadium, can. It plays host to NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series races. Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby) 170,000 Horse racing is an old sport, and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is an old venue: it opened back in 1875, or, so long ago that it was already around 50 years old by the time many of the larger college football stadiums first broke ground. To give you a sense of the size of Churchill Downs in comparison to other horse-racing venues, Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness, falls short of 100,000 seats, and the Belmont Stakes are run at Belmont Park, which fits exactly 100,000. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (INDYCAR) 350,000 And then you have the home of the Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As far as permanent seats go, Indianapolis Motor Speedway can seat 250,000. After general admission is accounted for, though, the speedway can hold 350,000 fans — more than twice as much as the next-largest venue, Churchill Downs. A fitting home for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," no? Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
