As an avid LEGO fan, I could barely believe my eyes when I opened an e-mail one day making the rounds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Someone had stumbled across Dr. Brian Darrow’s Flickr page and his most bodacious creation, and decided to share it with some colleagues. I opened the e-mail and discovered his LEGO replica of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I was mesmerized and hooked instantly. This would be perfect content for our website.
I contacted Brian as both a fan and staff member of IMS – this creation had to be shared with our online community. And as a race and LEGO enthusiast, I wanted closer access to this massive, incredible action. Brian and I exchanged e-mails and phone calls. He offered to set it up for us. Today I met him at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
The museum, in warmer weather
Brian arrived with 18 custom made boxes, all incredibly organized and labeled. It took him just over two hours to assemble and arrange over 125,000 LEGO pieces, all building up to what would become a 7′ x 10′ recreation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You’ll notice in the images, that his version of the Indy 500 is sold out. There are over 3,000 LEGO figures at his track. It’s been an evolving project for him since 2004. Talk about a labor of love.
Even Santa is an Indy fan
We took lots of photographs, but in all honesty, they don’t do Brian’s creation justice. This is the type of experience that requires time to process, to absorb. I spent 15 minutes simply scanning. I did laps of his track and each time I noticed some new, clever detail.
A busy pit lane at Indy
You can also spend 15 minutes enjoying Brian’s work. In fact, you can spend all day looking at turns 1, 2, 3, and 4. You can view the Pagoda. Yard of Bricks. Cars on track. A spin in turn 2. There’s even a version of the Snake Pit. You’ll be mesmerized also.
Lots of unique details
I’m still smiling from meeting Brian and experiencing the finished LEGO creation. You’ll smile too. There are enough details in the model to keep you engaged, talking, pointing and snapping away with your cell phone.
From now until mid-January, you can come see this for yourself at the Hall of Fame Museum.
It’s worth it, I promise.
Brian Darrow and his baby
More images, below.
Really cool! I’ll have to see if I can get the daughter up there to check it out.
That is absolutely awesome!
nice replica of the indianapolis motor speedway in LEGO formation. wish i could go and see it in person for myself.
How long is it on display? I will be in town for New Year’s Eve weekend and would love to bring my kids!
Sweet! – I have got to get over to the Museum this weekend and take a couple of pics of that.
Impressive! And very creative.
I really hope that stays there for this years 500, thats sooo cool, i hope that others think of creative ideas for this years 100th anniversary
Is there anyway this can be at the museum or somewhere on the grounds during May?
It is just like Ol’ Tony Hulman’s Dream Come True, the 500 is always sold out and people are happy there is no empty steel or no nothing like that. I wonder, will the LEGO Speedway be on tour in the future because other than potentially adding lights, this is Supermint.
First off, I apreciate all the kind words. This was a lot of fun to build and even more fun to share it with other race fans. I’d like to thank both Daniel Incandela for the invitation to display my model and the Museum staff for hosting it. The model will be at the Museum through mid-January and hopefully back down at the Speedway for the 100th Anniversary Race in May.
So cool! I could have seen it today while my mom and I were at the museum, but forgot it was there.
Very cool.
Can you post some pictures on Flickr and maybe a video overview on YouTube for those of us who won’t be able to get to IMS?
We saw this over the weekend– very cool! I agree that the pictures don’t really do it justice– it’s pretty amazing!
Thanks for doing this, Brian! I’d love for it to show back up in May, as well!
Wow – totally awesome!
Was there today for a look, and was blown away by this Lego reproduction of the Brickyard! Kudos to Brian Darrow
Please find a spot for the display? I won the CARA Carity Inside TV Insiders Crew Credentials with Versus, so will make it a point to display this if you keep it current for Qualifiying weekeend? Thanks, Michael
[...] (Hat tip: The IMS Official Blog) [...]
Please have this on display during May!!! Also, does Brian how many pieces were used?
How long will this be on display?
I don’t have an exact piece count, but it’s probably in the 125,000 range. Although I did count all the minifigures (LEGO people) and that came to ~3,000. The model will be at the Hall of Fame Museum until Thursday January 13, 2011.
I saw it in person on Jan. 7. As a father that used to help his son build LEGO houses, I was amazed. I’m still amazed.
[...] of the new commemorative stamp depicting the 1911 Indy 500 winner, the Marmon Wasp, the Lego replica of the Indianapolis 500 track complete with streakers in the infield, the new satellite team of [...]
[...] 100th Anniversary Indy 500. Remember a few months ago when Brian Darrow shared his amazing IMS Lego replica with us at the Hall of Fame Museum? Have you ever created something to honor the Indianapolis Motor [...]
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