Counting down the days until there’s another F1 race in the US? We’re right there with you! But we found the next best thing: the Indy 500.

Referred to as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500 is considered part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The other two races are the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. Of course, the Monaco Grand Prix occurs on the same date so perhaps you’ll want to make sure your streaming device is fully juiced so you can check in with that race while you’re at the Brickyard.

Here’s why we think F1 fans should plan a trip to the Indy 500!

The grid is stocked with former F1 drivers.

In fact, the INDYCAR reigning champ is former F1 drive Marcus Ericsson! We met him in the paddock at COTA at the USGP 2023 where he was proudly sporting his championship ring.

Here’s more about Ericsson and the other former F1 drivers currently driving for INDYCAR.

Marcus Ericsson – From 2014 to 2018, Ericsson raced for Caterham, Sauber and Alfa Romeo. He was featured in season one of Drive to Survive. The Swedish driver now competes in the Indy Car Series with Chip Ganassi Racing.

Romain Grosjean – Grosjean spent nine full-time seasons in F1, driving for a variety of teams and picking up 10 podiums. He moved to the IndyCar Series after the 2020 Formula One season. He is featured in the first three seasons of Drive to Survive. You may recall that he miraculously walks away from a near-deadly fiery wreck in the Season 3 episode titled, “Man on Fire.” The Swiss-French drive now races for Andretti Autosport.

Alexander Rossi – The American driver did not spend a lot of time on the track in F1, but he did serve as a test and development driver for Caterham F1 and Marussia F1. He made his Formula One debut in 2015 driving in five Grands Prix, including the USGP in Austin, where he finished 12th. Rossi currently competes in the IndyCar Series driving for Arrow McLaren.

Takuma Sato – Sato is a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 who currently races for Chip Ganassi Racing. The Japanese driver raced in F1 from 2002 to 2008.

And, of course, you’re surely aware of Fernando Alonso, current Aston Martin F1 driver. The oldest Formula One driver spent three seasons racing an INDYCAR.

More INDYCAR drivers who formerly competed in FIA.

• Callum Illot – The Juncos Hollinger driver is a former test driver for Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One. He was also one of Alfa Romeo’s F1 reserve drivers in 2021 and finished second in FIA Formula 2 in 2020.
• Christian Lundgaard – Danish driver Lundgaard was a former Alpine junior driver who spent two seasons in FIA Formula 2 Championship. The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year in in his second season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. 
• Felix Rosenqvist – The Swedish driver won the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship, is a three-time Formula Renault title winner and is a two-time winner of both Masters of F3 and the Macau Grand Prix. He is in his third season with Arrow McLaren
• Marcus Armstrong – Currently in his rookie season, Marcus Armstrong drives for Chip Ganassi Racing after three seasons competing in FIA Formula 2.
• Santino Ferrucci – At just 11 years old, Ferrucci was featured in an article for GQ magazine as a karting prodigy. Before racing INDYCAR, the American driver raced in GP3 Series (now FIA Formula 3) and FIA Formula 2 and became the youngest winner of a British Formula 3 race, at age 16. He drives for A.J. Foyt Enterprises.

The Indy 500 is easy to get to and not so expensive.

Unlike the F1 track in Austin, which is located in an area where the track is the only attraction, the Indy 500 track is situated in the city of Speedway with many other things nearby. It’s also quite affordable compared to many stops on the F1 circuit. Reserved seats start at just over $60 with GA areas available for $45. What makes it even more affordable is the fact that you can take in a cooler. As long as food and beverages are in in non-glass containers, they’re allowed.

On race day, there’s also the ultimate party in motorsports in the Snake Pit, presented by Coors Light. The midfield festival is packed with fun and features live music performances. This year’s acts include multiple EDM artists including Kaskade and John Summit.

Other reasons to attend the Indy 500!

Another big reason you should attend the Indy 500 is that it’s legendary. The race has been around since 1911 and has showcased some amazing racing from drivers like AJ Foyt, Al and Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti and more!

Now, here are a couple of fun facts just because. There’s a female driver! Katherine Legge has experience in Formula 3, Formula Renault, a Formula One test, Champ Car, A1GP, DTM, Formula E and sports car racing. She’s a member of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team. If you’re wondering if it’s THAT Letterman in the team name. Yes, it is. Indiana native David Letterman is a partial team owner.

All in all, the main reason you should attend the Indy 500 is this one; there’s not another US F1 race until October!

Get more details about the Indy 500 and purchase tickets here!

Featured image by jetcityimage via iStockphoto.com