100th running of the Indy 500: Museum, tours and Main Street

It's a big year for a big race. May 29 will mark the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, which claims to be the largest single-day sporting event in the world. Some 300,000 spectators will gather to watch drivers race 200 times around the 2.5-mile (4 km) oval track - a total of 500 miles.

But there are many ways to immerse yourself in the Indy 500 besides watching the competition on race day. An onsite museum displays cars, from vintage to contemporary, along with photos, memorabilia and exhibits about the event's rich history and its champions. There's a bus tour that takes a lap around the track, as well as a grounds tour. Devoted fans can even get a ride in a race car, with experiences ranging from $60 to $500.

Though the race is named for Indianapolis, the track is located in the town of Speedway, a suburb of Indianapolis, and Speedway's Main Street is well worth a visit. Many businesses and attractions here have a connection to the racing world, from a wine bar owned by a racing family to a new, state-of-the-art go-kart facility that provides real thrills even to the most intrepid amateurs.