In Speedway Race Week Business is Back, Mostly

SPEEDWAY, Ind.–Because of the pandemic, businesses in Speedway that depend on the Indy 500 suffered. No fans were allowed, so businesses that depend on a boost during race week, and the people who park cars or who allow people to park in their yards, did not get that boost. The difference this year is big to business owners.

“You can just feel it in the air. The vibe is completely different than when they ran it in August,” said Marcia Huff, who owns Barbecue and Bourbon, on Main St. The aroma of smoked meats (and a secret concoction in the smoker) permeates the air and draws customers to the restaurant.

But, it’s not just the aroma. This week it’s the race.

“This year it started out with a bang from May 1, on. We have been busy, busy, busy, even with limited seating,” she said.

The people who didn’t come last year are back, and they’re from all over the United States.

“The locals kind of stay away ’cause they know how busy you’re gonna be,” she said. “We have a ton of regulars that come from other states and they make sure they hit Barbecue and Bourbon every year when they’re here. We’ve gotten to know them all by name, know their names, know their families, know all about ’em.”

The caveat

While Huff is handling capacity crowds this week, Connie Norton, who operates The Main Attraction antique mall is being a bit more reserved in her approach.

“Well, we’re gonna have about 40 percent, they say, and so we’ve been trying to buy about 40 percent of what we used to buy. Just not buying as much,” she said.

In other words, she’s keeping her buying commensurate with the 40 percent crowd, or about 135,000 people, being allowed to attend the 500.

“We buy from other people. They bring it in and we buy it. So, we’re not buying near as much as we did, but trying to have some unusual, nice things.”

Much of that is race memorabilia.

“Of course they like the jewelry and the dishes and the antiques,” she said. But, the race items are the most sought after, for the week of the race. Norton said she asks where everyone is from when they come in. This week she’s talked to several people from Pennsylvania.

For Macia Huff at Barbecue and Bourbon, the big seller is pulled meats. Whatever the attraction, business owners are glad to welcome back the near half-capacity crowd, and a big chunk of their business, with a hope to full capacity next year.