10 great places to feel the need for speed

— -- Every Memorial Day weekend, more than 300,000 spectators crowd the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch the Indy 500. This year's race on Sunday marks the track's 100th birthday. Driver Danica Patrick, the only woman ever to win an Indy car race, spoke with Larry Olmsted for USA TODAY about the best places for speed demons.

Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayIndianapolis The mother of all racetracks, this vast complex also includes a hotel, a museum, a golf course and tours that offer visitors high-speed rides with real Indy 500 drivers about 100 days annually. The month leading up to race day is full of events, even a half-marathon. "The Speedway is definitely No. 1," Patrick says. "The race is exciting, and the museum gives you a good feel for how the cars have changed over the years. They just put my 2005 car in, and we loaned them my suit and helmet." 800-822-4639, indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Long BeachCalifornia Laid out through the city rather than on a track, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is the oldest major street race in North America, held in April since 1975. For fans, there is "lots going on," Patrick says. "It's a good party, and you have the pro/celebrity race, which draws in a lot of celebrities (won this year by Keanu Reeves)." 888-827-7333, gplb.com

Richmond International RacewayRichmond, Va. A favorite of race fans, with less expensive tickets and tailgating in the parking lots. "It is a short track with huge, high grandstands," Patrick says. "You get that Southern excitement for racing, a lot of NASCAR fans, really loud." It also gets hot by mid-June, so night races are a welcome respite for fans. 866-455-7223, rir.com

Motegi Twin RingMotegi, JapanKnown as "the Indy of Japan," this track about 50 miles from Tokyo is Honda's high-tech test facility. There are two tracks and a hotel, and Twin Ring hosts the Indy Japan 300 each September — the event where Patrick made history by winning last year. "I loved going there before I won," Patrick says. "I like the food. You get sushi and sashimi and rice, very simple but very good." Besides the race, fans can enjoy a large museum and high-tech interactive attractions. www.mobilityland.co.jp/english