INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is maintained by a dedicated grounds crew of 20-30 people who ensure the iconic venue remains pristine.

The IMS grounds crew is responsible for maintaining 32 acres of grass around the racing surface and an additional 160 acres associated with the golf course. This team works tirelessly to keep the grounds in top condition, often mowing multiple times a week to meet the high standards expected at the Speedway.

The inside of Turn 1 at IMS alone spans 7 acres and requires about 4 hours to mow. The crew’s work is particularly challenging during events, as they must mow either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid interfering with track activities.

IMS is also testing an autonomous mower around the IMS Museum. This fully electric mower, operated via an app, can mow continuously for over four hours and is equipped with sensors to navigate its path.

The use of autonomous technology is not intended to replace human workers but to allow the crew to focus on more specialized tasks such as seeding and irrigation.

During peak summer, the grounds crew consists of many seasonal workers and interns, but as the season changes, the number of staff decreases, increasing the workload for the remaining team.

The meticulous care taken by the IMS grounds crew ensures that the Speedway remains a world-class venue, maintaining its reputation for excellence.

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