Indy 500 Technology Update

This Sunday, the 2022 Indy 500 will give many race fans their first look at several technology upgrades implemented at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The most obvious one is the huge 104’ by 20’ video screen mounted on the rear of the pagoda. This screen will provide live coverage of action happening all around the track, as well as detailed information about race teams during the running of the race.

Fans will also notice display boards that show the running order of the cars on the seven large monitors located in the infield. 20 smaller video boards have been installed throughout grandstand and other seating areas.

Another significant technology upgrade is complete 5G cellular service along with nearly 600 new digital antennas located throughout the speedway grounds. The 2022 race will be the first to have “full capacity” attendance since the pandemic and will test the capability of the new network for race attendees.

Still more technological changes are expected for the 2023 Indy 500. For example, the position numbers installed at the top of the pagoda are no longer working due to weather damage and are unlikely to be repaired since the manufacturer no longer supports or makes the parts for the display. While this replacement is still in the early in the planning stages, it’s possible that some kind of digital display could be used to replicate the “retro” style of the position numbers. If you take a look at older pictures of the “500” from the 1980’s or earlier you will see examples of this on the old scoring pylon along the front straightaway.


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