The Flying Lap

Lore & Background

The Flying Lap began organically in the 1950s, when fans in the infield realized that the backstretch—far from the main grandstands—offered an unobstructed view of cars at their fastest. Over time, a tradition emerged: as the leaders approached, spectators would rush to the fence, waving homemade signs and shouting until their voices gave out. This 'flying lap' became a rite of passage for drivers, who often acknowledged the crowd with a wave or a flick of the steering wheel. By the 1970s, the Flying Lap had evolved into a coordinated spectacle, with fans using colored cards or flags to create a moving mosaic of support. It is not an official event—no tickets are sold, no announcements made—but its presence is felt every May. The tradition is passed down through families, and many consider it the soul of the Speedway, a raw, unfiltered connection between driver and fan. Despite changes to the track and safety protocols, the Flying Lap endures. It represents the democratic spirit of IndyCar: anyone with a spot on the infield fence can become part of the show. Drivers like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti have spoken of the energy boost it provides, a human wave of encouragement that cuts through the roar of engines.

In Their Own Story

The sun baked the infield grass as the pace car pulled away. Jake, a third-generation fan, pressed his back against the chain-link fence, the metal already warm. His daughter clutched a hand-painted sign that read 'GO, 3!'—a number that meant nothing to her yet. The distant whine of engines grew to a scream. 'Here they come!' Jake yelled. The first car flashed by, a blur of red and white, and the fence shuddered. His daughter felt the wind, the noise, the vibration in her bones. She raised her sign, and for a split second, the driver's helmet turned. That was the Flying Lap—a moment of shared velocity, a secret handshake between the stands and the track.

Reader's Guide

To experience the Flying Lap, you don't need a ticket or a plan—just a spot on the backstretch fence at Indianapolis. Arrive early on race day, stake out your territory, and bring something to wave: a flag, a banner, a hat. The tradition peaks during the final 10 laps, when the leaders are pushing hardest. Fans often coordinate colors by section, creating a living flag that ripples with each pass. What makes it special is its spontaneity. There's no announcer, no schedule—just the roar of engines and the collective pulse of the crowd. It's a place where strangers become allies, united by the love of speed. For the best view, aim for the section near the exit of Turn 2, where cars are still accelerating out of the corner—the fence shakes hardest there, and drivers often glance toward the crowd as they gather momentum. If you're lucky, a helmet tap or a quick wave from a cockpit will make the whole day unforgettable.

Did You Know?

• The Flying Lap is sometimes called 'The Backstretch Bounce' by longtime fans, referencing the way the fence vibrates as cars pass.
• Drivers have reported that the Flying Lap's noise can be heard over their engines, a unique phenomenon at Indianapolis.
• The tradition is entirely fan-organized, with no official sponsorship or promotion from the Speedway.
• In the 1980s, a group of fans used synchronized colored ponchos to spell out 'GO' during the Flying Lap, inspiring similar displays at other tracks.
• During the 1990s, a fan known only as 'Flagman Fred' became a local legend for waving a 20-foot banner solo each year, never missing a race until his passing in 2008.