What began as a targeted repave in Turn 2's exit to smooth long-standing bumps caused by shifting original bricks beneath layers of asphalt spiraled into a time capsule excavation on September 23. Crews milled away modern surface, exposing the 1909 brick racing layer buried since 1937, then jaw-dropping crushed stone-and-tar base from the Speedway's infancy, unseen for over 116 years. IMS preserved the unearthed bricks and displays a tar block at the museum, while a fresh 100-foot asphalt patch, diamond-ground to match, got thumbs-up from Indy 500 stars Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward during October tire tests.
IMS President J. Douglas Boles calls it overwhelming: years of grinding bumps from Indiana's freeze-thaw cycles demanded action to avert 2026 Indy 500 chaos. The series packs expert interviews, including ex-historian Donald Davidson, stunning footage of paving layers from 1937-2004, and viral social clips that gripped fans worldwide. Episodes drop daily December 8-11, blending track prep with Brickyard lore.
History literally paved the way. Tune in Monday; IMS rewinds to 1909.
