Speedway High School rededicates newly renovated football field prominently featuring the IMS ‘Wing and Wheel’ logo

SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Speedway High School is combining the thrill of the Friday night lights with its rich history of racing.

On Friday, the school held a special rededication ceremony for its newly renovated football field, which included the addition of Indiana’s most recognizable logos to the 50-yard line: the IMS Speedway “Wing and Wheel.”

“It’s great for the history of Speedway High School football,” Rick Howard with the Speedway Lions Club said.

The Speedway Sparkplugs’ home opener marked the first time the iconic logo could be seen on the Ralph E. Johnson Field.

“IMS has been a great partner to the town and to the schools for decades,” former Speedway Town Council President Gary Raikes said.

“The track has done so much,” Howard said.

The updated logo on the field comes complete with a painted “Yard of Bricks” and checkered-flag end zones.

“I think it looks pretty good,” Speedway resident Donna Brosman said. “I’m excited for the kids to be able to play on a new field.”

“The boys deserve it,” Speedway resident Stephanie Caine said. “Getting to be able to see them enjoy the new field: it’s amazing. Brings tears to your eyes.”

“Long-time coming: the updates,” Speedway alum Don Watson, who played under Coach Johnson in the early 1970s, said. “It’s beautiful to see [the logo] out there.”

For Hoosiers who live in Speedway, the logo is much more than a sentimental upgrade. It’s a lasting tribute to the most famous speedway in the world that put the town on the map.

“The Yard of Bricks is pretty powerful in the Town of Speedway,” Tom Smith, a Speedway School Board member, said. “I was talking with one of the assistant coaches [about] games they’re going to win on this field, [and] that they’re going to get down and kiss the bricks on the 50-yard line after the game is over with. Hopefully that happens tonight.”

The town of Speedway officially turns 100 years old on July 14, 2026. The town will hold a special 100-year anniversary celebration next August.