I just checked. It is almost the exact same drive from KC to Indy as it is from Buffalo to Indy. I would have thought Buffalo was further.
Apparently, Indy is centrally located for the majority of population in the USA. Excluding Alaska & HI.
That is why they have had the Final Four there and at least one Super Bowl. They also host the largest one day sporting event in the country. The Indy 500(400K).