Today which should a day of honoring great drivers of the past, has become a perfunctory autograph session for the drivers on the grid and separate sessions for a few old-timers. A ceremonial drivers’ meeting is the highlight of the day.

Gone are the classic cars driving around the track, the former driver honoree of the year, and the memorabilia show. Then the track closes until 6 am Sunday. Fans used to be able to wander around the track the day before the race. The museum is closed for construction, which compounds the frustration this year.

If you are a first timer to the race, the drivers’ meeting is enjoyable. It is a good chance to see the entire field.

I will spend my day in Plainfield at the memorabilia show.

For those of you planning to go to the track, here is the info from IMS:

Gainbridge Legends Day Presented by Firestone track activity Saturday, May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

SCHEDULE (All times local):

8 a.m.-3 p.m.: Public Gates Open

9-10 a.m.: Driver Autograph Session (Pagoda Plaza)

10:30 a.m.: Public Driver Meeting (Pit Lane – Tower Terrace)

Noon-1 p.m.: Former Driver Autograph Session #1

1:30-2:30 p.m.: Former Driver Autograph Session #2

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $20. Children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-3 p.m.): Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6 South, Gate 7 South, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A

PARKING: Limited free parking is located in the N Lot, and the West Museum Lot, Tower Terrace Lot and Flag Lot for ADA, and South Carousel Lot for motorcycles. Paid parking and paid ADA parking is $10 in Lot 2. Bicycle parking is located outside Gate 1, Gate 6 and Gate 9.

CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Fans should be prepared to complete their ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during their event via debit or credit card.

Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted.

MUSEUM: The IMS Museum is closed for a major renovation, reopening in April 2025. To learn more, please visit imsmuseum.org/renovation.