Progress continues to be made on the building plans at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, including an update on the new Wally Parks Tower and the renovated suites.
As part of the first phase in a multi-year project, construction on the new Wally Parks Tower, an impressive three-story facility, is full speed ahead. Steel for the new tower, which will feature race control, media center, television broadcasting capabilities and three suites on the third floor, has been erected, the base work is completed and concrete pours for each floor is currently in progress.
Enclosures of the structure will take place in the coming weeks, while the canopy on the observation deck on the top floor will begin to take shape over the next month. That will be the final structural piece placed at the top of the tower.
The open-air covered roof will include an overview area and an event space that can host up to 500 people. The state-of-the-art tower will also have dedicated bathrooms, staircase and an elevator and will sit in the same area as the previous tower. The facility remains on track to have the new Wally Parks Tower and renovated suites completed by mid-summer, in time for the world’s biggest drag race, the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 27-Sept. 1.
“Every day we continue to make big leaps, so it’s a very exciting time,” NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations Kasey Coler said. “Garmong Construction has done a great job keeping us on track and working with sub-contractors to ensure there are no issues with staff and supplies. The quality has been superb, and we’re thrilled to see the progress on such a major project that will provide improvements for our race teams, fans, partners, media and race officials.”
A major overhaul on the current eight suites above the west side grandstands is well underway as well. Each suite will receive a full remodel and new elevators for the suites will also be installed.
Another project set to begin in 2025 is the major drainage and ditch alignment of the facility. Engineering plans have started for that project, which is a key part of the multi-phase plan that will create a new entrance on the west side of the track and, long-term, bringing the professional pits, the manufacturers midway and the fan experiences to the west side of the track. Fan parking will also shift to that side of the track in the future.
Plans for a community open house before the Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals are in place and will be revealed in the coming months.
“We’re hitting these great milestones heading into 2025 and we’re really excited to present the new Wally Parks Tower and our renovated suites next summer,” Coler said. “The Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals is the crown jewel on our schedule and this progress is a huge step for the future of this incredible facility.”
For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. For more information on Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, please visit www.raceirp.com.
This story was originally published on December 23, 2024. 
