Electric Works gears up for engines, trophies, and race-day buzz as Indianapolis Motor Speedway rolls into town.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The roar of the Indianapolis 500 won’t be heard in Fort Wayne until late May, but the pulse of IndyCar racing is about to hit the city early. The second annual ‘Indy 500 Fan Fest’ is rolling into town, and it’s not just for race junkies.
On Tuesday, April 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Electric Works campus will transform into a pit stop of celebration, speed, and spectacle.
The event—free and open to the public—is a high-octane preview of America’s most famous motor race. And it’s got all the bells and whistles.
Not Just a Car Show: A Full-Fledged Festival
Picture this:
A real NTT INDYCAR SERIES car on display.
The legendary Borg-Warner Trophy, gleaming in the evening light.
Appearances by sponsors, drivers, and surprise guests.
Free swag. Racing simulators. Photo booths. Kids running around with mini checkered flags.
This isn’t a static display—it’s a three-hour immersion into racing culture.
“Fans of the Indianapolis 500 are some of the most passionate in the world,” said IMS and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles, “and the Fan Fests give us an opportunity to celebrate the excitement of May before we all come together for Race Day.”
For a city like Fort Wayne—deep in basketball country but never far from the track—events like this offer an accessible entry into the world of IndyCar.
And that’s precisely the point.
Why Fort Wayne?
Indianapolis Motor Speedway could host these events anywhere. But for the second year in a row, they chose Fort Wayne. Why?
Because Fort Wayne shows up.
Last year’s debut event drew hundreds. Young fans, seasoned gearheads, and families packed the plaza. So this time, IMS is upping the ante.
Electric Works, the city’s innovation hub built inside a revitalized GE campus, provides the perfect backdrop. It’s gritty, futuristic, and buzzing with local energy—just like the race itself.
What’s on the Grid for Tuesday?
Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect at this year’s Fan Fest:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tuesday, April 8, 5–8 PM |
| Location | Union Street Market @ Electric Works, Fort Wayne |
| Race Car Display | NTT INDYCAR SERIES show car |
| Trophy Spotlight | The actual Borg-Warner Trophy |
| Special Guests | IMS sponsors, INDYCAR personalities, local leaders |
| Giveaways | Posters, merch, prizes, racing-themed swag |
| Photo Ops | Trophy photos, car selfies, interactive booths |
| Activities | Fan challenges, racing trivia, family fun zones |
| Admission | Completely free |
The Countdown to May Has Officially Begun
The Fan Fest is part of a larger initiative by IMS to turn May in Indiana into more than just race day.
With the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 scheduled for Sunday, May 25, officials want to build momentum in cities across the state—from South Bend to Evansville to, yes, Fort Wayne.
The idea?
Create touchpoints. Spark conversations. Let people touch the car, see the trophy, meet a driver. Turn passive fans into active ones.
The Fan Fest is a reminder that while the race may be in Indy, the pride is statewide.
The Race Within the Race: Building the Next Generation of Fans
Events like this are more than PR. They’re investments in the future of motorsports.
Kids who climb into a simulator today might buy a race ticket tomorrow.
Teens snapping selfies with the trophy might become die-hard fans by college.
And families walking the circuit at Electric Works may start a new Memorial Day tradition.
As legacy sports like football and baseball grapple with generational drop-offs, IndyCar is doubling down on fan experience. The Fan Fest is racing’s answer to courtside selfies and esports arenas.
Behind the Borg-Warner Trophy: A Symbol of Speed and Glory
One of the biggest draws Tuesday will be the Borg-Warner Trophy—a literal icon of American racing.
Standing over five feet tall and made of sterling silver, the trophy carries the faces of every Indy 500 winner since 1911. It’s not just a prize—it’s a timeline of legends.
Getting this close to it in Fort Wayne? That’s rare.
Local Impact, Statewide Buzz
With thousands expected to cycle through Electric Works, local businesses are preparing for a bump. Restaurants near Union Street Market are staffing up. Coffee shops are keeping the espresso hot. Local vendors are embracing the race-day theme.
“We’ve already got checkered-flag cookies in the oven,” one bakery owner said with a grin.
Even beyond the economic boost, the cultural one matters more.
The Fan Fest brings the most prestigious event in American motorsports into local neighborhoods. And that’s not just good marketing—it’s good community-building.
