Experiencing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the Goodyear Blimp

The Goodyear Blimp is one of those rare sights that feels both familiar and magical, especially if you’re from Northeast Ohio. Not long ago, I got the wild chance to ride this legendary airship over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

I’m not exactly a fan of heights, but this was something I couldn’t pass up. Floating above one of the world’s most famous racetracks? That’s not something you get to do every day.

An Invitation to the Skies

Late last year, I casually mentioned that I’d love to ride in the Goodyear Blimp over the Indy 500. To my total shock, Goodyear actually reached out and offered me a seat for a flight above the track on Legends Day, the Saturday before the big race.

There was no way I’d say no. So, I found myself making the drive to a tiny regional airport about 40 miles east of the Speedway, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

Facing My Fear of Heights

Heights and I don’t get along, honestly. Still, the thought of missing out on something this unique pushed me forward.

After a quick orientation, I joined three other passengers and we climbed into the gondola tucked beneath the blimp’s airframe. The seats felt surprisingly roomy, more like what you’d find on a small plane, and the weather couldn’t have been better for flying. That helped a bit with the nerves.

The Mechanics of the Goodyear Blimp

This blimp’s a semi-rigid dirigible, powered by three Lycoming four-cylinder aircraft engines. There’s one on each side and another at the back.

If all the engines ever stopped—which is pretty unlikely—the blimp can still manage its altitude with water ballast and helium vents. One of the pilots explained all this, and honestly, it made me feel a lot safer up there.

Innovative Design Features

The current Goodyear blimps are fly-by-wire, so the engines are mounted on the airframe instead of the gondola. That means it’s way quieter inside, since the blimp’s outer shell absorbs most of the noise.

Huge plexiglass windows and flip-down panels let you soak in the view. I’ll admit, the idea of opening a window that high up gave me goosebumps, but the visibility was unreal.

Taking Flight

When we took off from the open field, it felt more like gliding than flying. There was a gentle sway, almost like a boat, mixed with the smoothness of a school bus on a cushion of air.

We cruised at about 2,500 feet above sea level. Everything below looked tiny—cars on the I-465 ring road zipped around like toys, and the trees in Fort Harrison State Park looked like little broccoli florets.

Hovering Over Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Getting closer to the Speedway, I could feel my excitement building. The place is legendary, and seeing it from above was surreal.

The pilot switched the blimp into hover mode, so we just floated there, silent and weightless, above the track. Looking down at the yard of bricks and all the Indy 500 preparations, I couldn’t believe my luck.

A Legendary Experience

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has always meant a lot to me. I’ve been to the 2007 Formula One United States Grand Prix and a handful of Indy 500s, so I thought I’d seen it all.

But seeing the track from the Goodyear Blimp? That’s on a whole different level. The quiet, the view, the feeling of floating above history—there’s really nothing else like it.

Why You Should Fly in the Goodyear Blimp

If you ever get the chance to fly in one of Goodyear’s four semi-rigid dirigibles—three in the U.S., one in Europe—take it. Even if heights make you uneasy, there’s something oddly calming about it.

Floating above the world feels surreal. The views are wild, and honestly, nothing else compares.

Want the full rundown of my adventure? Check out the story on Jalopnik.