The Month of May in Indiana: A Homecoming at 220 MPH

Growing up in Indiana, the Indianapolis 500 wasn’t just a race—it was a season. The entire month of May has a rhythm of its own, one that pulses with anticipation, tradition, and the unmistakable sound of engines echoing through the heart of the Hoosier state. From childhood memories of qualifying and battles for pole position with my family to feeling the energy build each year as May approaches, the Indy 500 has always been more than a sporting event. It’s a cultural phenomenon.

This year, I had the chance to experience the full weekend leading up to the 108th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing—and it’s hard to put into words just how electric it felt. It all began on Friday, with the final rounds of qualifying. The grandstands started to fill, the infield buzzed with early tailgaters, and the track itself seemed to wake up—each lap turning anticipation into a physical force.

By Sunday, the crescendo had peaked. Nearly half a million people surrounded the iconic oval, unified in awe, excitement, and pride. Whether you're there for the history, the horsepower, or the sheer scale of the experience, the Indy 500 transforms Indianapolis—and the entire state—into something that feels larger than life.

Photographing the People of the 500

This year marked a first for me—not as a fan (I think we counted this was my 9th), but as a photographer. I didn’t come just to watch the race; I came to document the people who make this event what it is. While the IndyCar teams and IMS have a full army of credentialed photographers capturing every second of the on-track action, I wanted to turn my lens in a different direction: toward the spectacle.

The Indy 500 isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of speed, community, and tradition, and it shows up in every corner of the Speedway. There’s an EDM concert in Turn Three that rages for the entire race. There's the History of Racing Museum at the infield entrance. There are rows of motorhomes and folding chairs stretching across parking lots, transforming into weekend-long tailgate villages. Every section of the track has its own vibe, its own stories, and its own cast of characters—from lifelong race fans decked out in vintage merch to partygoers experiencing the race for the first time.

For someone like me—someone who loves watching people as much as I love watching the race—it was a goldmine. I met strangers with incredible stories, found quiet moments in the chaos, and saw first-hand how much this event means to people. Each photo became a chance to capture not just what the Indy 500 looks like, but what it feels like.

A Day to Remember, A New Tradition Begins

As the sun began to set and the final echoes of victory faded from the stands, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To be back home in Indiana, camera in hand, walking the grounds of the Speedway with my oldest friend in the world—it was the kind of day that reminds you why certain traditions matter.

This wasn’t just another race day. It was the start of something I hope to continue for years to come: documenting the people from all walks of life, the energy, and the stories that make the Indy 500 unlike anything else. There’s something special about this place, something you can only truly understand when you’re standing there, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of others who feel it too.

So like I said at the start—if you’re ever thinking of planning a trip to Indiana, aim for the month of May. There’s no better time to experience the heart of the Hoosier state… and no other way to witness the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. The Indianapolis 500

Oh! And don’t forget to kiss the bricks when you visit the Indy Motor Speedway.

Check out the photos from race weekend here!

The Indy 500: A Homecoming at 220MPH