Severe Flooding Hits IMS; Won't Affect US GP

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was hit by severe flooding this weekend, as the city experienced the biggest rainfall in its history. However, track officials said the floods will not hamper preparations for the United States Grand Prix, to be held at the Speedway in four weeks.

The Speedway is among many central Indiana residences and businesses battling floodwaters in the aftermath of record rainfall over the Labor Day weekend. The Indianapolis International Airport â€" located 5 miles from the Speedway â€" received 7.2 inches of rain on Labor Day, making September 1st officially the wettest day ever in Indianapolis.

Despite flooding on the grounds of the Speedway and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, Speedway officials said that preparations for the fourth running of the United States Grand Prix continue unabated. Ironically, the rains came on the day FIA Safety Delegate and USGP race director Charlie Whiting visited IMS for his final inspection before the race.

In the mean time, some day-to-day operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been hampered or canceled by the rain, including:

Brickyard Crossing Golf Course will remain closed until at least Thursday due to flood damage along Little Eagle Creek, which runs through the middle of the course. The Brickyard Crossing staff is assessing the damage before officially announcing a reopening date.

The Hall of Fame Museum remains open despite the closure of Gate 2 â€" the main entrance and tunnel into the Speedway off 16th Street â€" due to flooding. Museum guests should enter the Speedway grounds via the Brickyard Crossing Inn entrance, located a block east of the Speedway entrance, and follow the signs.

Track tours by the Hall of Fame Museum continue to run.

The lower level of the Brickyard Crossing Inn received flood damage, thereby impacting the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course clubhouse, the Brickyard Crossing Inn sales and catering offices and several meeting rooms.