Speedway Secrets Worksheet
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Grade 3 Reading Passage
Speedway Secrets
Discovering Indiana's Famous "Brickyard"
Lexile: 620L • 10-15 Min
Informational Text
Read closely and underline key details
Every May, the thrilling roar of race car engines echoes across Speedway, Indiana. Over three hundred thousand cheering fans pack into giant grandstands to watch the legendary Indianapolis 500. Known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," this world-famous 500-mile contest is held at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The speedway was built in 1909 by four local businessmen. They wanted a giant oval track where car manufacturers could test new automobile engines, brakes, and tires. The track is so gigantic that the Roman Colosseum, Vatican City, Yankee Stadium, and the Rose Bowl could all fit inside its grassy infield at the exact same time!
Why is it Called "The Brickyard"?
When the track first opened, its surface was made of crushed stone and sticky tar. After bumpy test runs caused accidents, the owners solved the safety problem by repaving the entire 2.5-mile track with 3.2 million heavy paving bricks! Over time, smooth black asphalt covered the bricks, but workers left one single three-foot strip exposed: the celebrated "Yard of Bricks" at the start/finish line.
Winning at the Speedway comes with unique traditions you will not see at any other racetrack. Instead of spraying fizzy soda, the champion driver takes a big celebratory gulp of ice-cold milk—a custom started in 1936 by winner Louis Meyer. Next, the driver and their pit crew kneel down right on the track to kiss the vintage Yard of Bricks. Finally, the champion's face is sculpted in pure sterling silver onto the towering Borg-Warner Trophy!
Word Watch (Key Vocabulary)
- Spectacle: An amazing, eye-catching event or public show.
- Tradition: A special belief or custom passed down over many years.
- Asphalt: A dark, smooth mixture used for paving roadways.
Speedway Fast Facts
1909 Year Built
2.5 mi 1 Full Lap
220+ Top MPH
🏁 33 race cars start in 11 rows of 3!
Speedway Secrets • 3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Turn to Page 2 for Questions
2
Comprehension & Word Challenge
Use details directly from the passage to answer each question.
Part A Find the Facts (Multiple Choice)
1. Why did the track owners decide to pave the speedway with bricks in 1909?
A They wanted cars to look brighter on television.
B The gravel and tar surface was bumpy and unsafe.
C Bricks made the race cars drive over 300 miles per hour.
D Fans complained that the track was too quiet.
2. Which unusual drink does the winning driver celebrate with in Victory Lane?
A Warm apple cider
B Sparkling grape juice
C Ice-cold milk
D Fresh strawberry lemonade
Part B Vocabulary Detective
Read each sentence below. Fill in the blank with the best word from the box:
spectacle • tradition • asphalt
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Road crews poured smooth black over the old stone surface.
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Kissing the bricks after winning is an exciting racing .
Part C Think & Write (Short Response)
How large is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Use one specific comparison from the text to explain its size.
Part D Winner's Circle Tradition (Creative Challenge)
Drivers celebrate by drinking cold milk and kissing the bricks. If you won the Indy 500, what new celebration tradition would you invent? Describe your idea:
Draw Your Trophy or Celebration Flag
Speedway Secrets • Answer with full sentences Great Job, Champion! 🏁