Car Racing and Sports Cars

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the premiere motorsport races in the world. It is held each year on Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Motorspeedway. Thousands of people visit Indianapolis each year to watch the top racers in the world battle one another during the 500 mile race. Through television and radio broadcasts the Indy 500 is viewed by several millions of people who can't make the trip to Indianapolis to watch the race in person.

How it all Began

1911 was the first year a 500 mile race was run on Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis. The first race was won by an American, but Europeans dominated the 500 during the years before World War I. After the war, however, Americans dominated the sport through the early 1970s. Winning the Indy 500 quickly became a status symbol for drivers from Europe and America, who were anxious to prove their skills in the 500 mile race. Several innovations were developed by engineers who designed cars specifically for the Indy 500, such as the rear view mirror and the 4-cylinder Offy engine.

Indy Formula Racing Cars

The 500 mile format eventually gave rise to a specific formula of racing car known as the IndyCar. IndyCars are similar to Formula One racing cars, with a single seat for the driver and an open wheel design. The cars are long and narrow and sit low to the ground to provide more control for the driver. IndyCars are less technologically advanced than Formula One cars, however, and IndyCar chassis don't have to be built by the engineers that are part of the car's racing team. IndyCars are less expensive than their Formula One counterparts, as well.

Milk for the Winners

There are several traditions that go along with the Indianapolis 500 race. One of the most famous traditions is that the winner will pour milk over his head instead of champagne. IndyCar driver Louis Meyer started this tradition when he requested a glass of buttermilk after he won the race in 1933. When he won again in 1936 he requested buttermilk again and was given a bottle. A photographer captured the image of the jubilant driver swigging milk from the bottle and holding up three fingers to signify his third Indy win. Drivers have been given bottles of milk as part of the celebration ever since.

The Indianapolis Motorspeedway

The Indianapolis 500 race is really the result of the original conditions of the Indianapolis Motorspeedway. The track was paved with millions of bricks in order to reduce the number of accidents that were happening on the original tar and gravel track. The stability of this 500 mile brick track allowed drivers to reach top speeds for extended races in relative safety. The track can host up to 400,000 racing fans when the infield is opened for seating. During Memorial Day weekend the Motorspeedway is generally filled to capacity for its world famous race.

Hosting the Indy 500

Though there have always been several different races held at the Indianapolis Motorspeedway, the Indy 500 is its true claim to fame. Official attendance numbers have never been released, but it is estimated that more than 400,000 people cram into the stands and infield of the racetrack every year to watch the 500. Several firsts have happened in this storied venue. It is the first racetrack to include the designation of speedway in its title, as well as the first racetrack to host its own security team. The racetrack hosts a number of special events leading up to the 500, including parties, concerts, and a parade the day before the race.

NASCAR and Formula One at the Speedway

Other high profile races are held at the Indiana Motorspeedway annually. One of the most popular is the NASCAR Brickyard 400. The Brickyard 400 was the first motor race held at the Motorspeedway other than the Indianapolis 500, and it continues to be the most popular NASCAR race of the season. The Motorspeedway is also home to an annual marathon that is run on its famous brick track, as well as numerous other types of smaller races and entertainment events. None of the other events can rival the attendance and atmosphere of the Indianapolis 500, though.