The Indianapolis 500, formally known as the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and commonly referred to as the Indy 500, is a premier annual automobile race. It takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. Traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend, the event is a key fixture in the IndyCar Series, the pinnacle of American open-wheel racing, often referred to as “Indy car racing.” The track is famously nicknamed the “Brickyard” due to its original brick paving in 1909, with one yard of brick still visible at the start/finish line. The race, often dubbed “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Historical Background
Early Years
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was established in 1909 as a gravel-and-tar track, initially hosting various small events, including motorcycle races. The first significant event was the 100-lap Prest-O-Lite Trophy in 1909, won by Bob Burman in a Buick under hazardous conditions. Early races saw severe accidents due to the track’s poor surface, prompting track owner Carl G. Fisher to invest $155,000 to repave it with 3.2 million bricks and add a concrete wall around the track.
Establishment of the 500-Mile Race
Faced with declining attendance for smaller races, the track owners decided to focus on a single, high-profile event. They settled on a 500-mile race, estimating this distance would ensure daylight completion. The first Indianapolis 500 took place on May 30, 1911, with a $25,000 prize. Ray Harroun won driving a Marmon Wasp, noted for using the first rear-view mirror.
Growth and Evolution
By 1912, the prize purse doubled to $50,000, and the field was limited to 33 cars, a tradition that continues. The race mandated a riding mechanic for each car to assist with monitoring vehicle conditions and traffic. European manufacturers like Fiat and Peugeot dominated the race from 1912 to 1919, but American drivers and manufacturers regained prominence post-World War I. Engineer Harry Miller became a significant figure, contributing to technical advancements that influenced the race for decades.
Traditions and Culture
Pre-Race and Race-Day Rituals
The Indianapolis 500 is rich in traditions. The Purdue All-American Marching Band has been the host band since 1919. A notable tradition is the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the race, a custom started by operatic tenor James Melton in 1946. Actor Jim Nabors became synonymous with the song, performing it from 1972 until 2014. Following Nabors’ retirement, the performance was given to various singers until Jim Cornelison took over in 2017.
Qualifying and Race Procedure
Qualifying for the Indy 500 is unique, requiring drivers to complete four timed laps rather than one. This event takes place on a separate weekend from the race. The race itself features a 33-car lineup, starting three-wide. Another iconic tradition is the winner’s celebration, which includes drinking a bottle of milk in victory lane.
Notable Figures and Records
Josef Newgarden is the current reigning champion. Legendary drivers A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr., Rick Mears, and Hélio Castroneves each have four wins, with Castroneves being the active driver with the most victories. Rick Mears also holds the record for the most pole positions with six. Team Penske, owned by Roger Penske, is the most successful team with 19 wins and 18 poles.
Attendance and Spectator Experience
The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most attended single-day sporting events globally. Although the official attendance is not disclosed, the Speedway’s permanent seating capacity is over 250,000, with total race-day attendance reaching approximately 300,000 when including infield spectators.
Indianapolis 500
Overview
The Indianapolis 500, formally known as the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and often referred to as the Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in Speedway, Indiana, USA. This prestigious event takes place over Memorial Day weekend, typically the last weekend in May. It is a part of the IndyCar Series, the premier level of American open-wheel car racing, a formula commonly known as “Indy car racing.” The track itself is nicknamed the “Brickyard,” a reference to its original brick paving in 1909, with one yard of brick remaining exposed at the start/finish line. The Indy 500 is often billed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and is considered one of the three legs of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Race Details
- Venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Location: Speedway, Indiana, USA
- Corporate Sponsor: Gainbridge Insurance Agency (2019–present)
- First Race: 1911
- First IndyCar Race: 1996
- Distance: 500 miles (805 km)
- Laps: 200
- Most Wins by Driver: A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Hélio Castroneves (4 each)
- Most Wins by Team: Penske (20)
- Most Wins by Manufacturer:
- Chassis: Dallara (22)
- Engine: Offenhauser (27)
- Tires: Firestone (81)
- Circuit Information:
- Surface: Asphalt
- Length: 2.5 mi (4.0 km)
- Turns: 4
- Lap Record: 37.895 seconds (237.498 mph; 382.182 km/h) by Arie Luyendyk, 1996
Historical Highlights
Early Years
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was constructed in 1909 as a gravel-and-tar track, initially hosting smaller events. The first 500-mile race, held on May 30, 1911, was won by Ray Harroun, who drove a Marmon Wasp and introduced the rear-view mirror. The race quickly grew in popularity, establishing itself as an annual tradition.
Innovations and Traditions
The event has seen numerous technical advancements and traditions:
- Rear-View Mirror: Introduced by Ray Harroun in 1911.
- Mandatory Riding Mechanics: Implemented in 1912 and later discontinued.
- Pre-Race Ceremonies: Including the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” a tradition started by James Melton in 1946 and famously carried on by Jim Nabors for decades.
- Victory Lane Milk: The winner traditionally drinks a bottle of milk, a custom started in 1936.
Engine and Chassis Evolution
- Miller and Offenhauser Engines: Dominated in the early to mid-20th century, with Offenhauser engines winning 27 races.
- European Influence: Gained prominence with drivers like Jim Clark and Graham Hill winning in the 1960s using mid-engine Lotus cars.
Recent Developments
- Centennial Era: Celebrated from 2009 to 2011, marking the 100th anniversary of the track and the race.
- COVID-19 Impact: The 2020 race was delayed and held without spectators.
- Current Champion: Josef Newgarden (as of the latest update).
Race Name Evolution
The race has undergone several name changes:
- 1911–1916: International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race
- 1919: Liberty Sweepstakes
- 1920–1980: International Sweepstakes
- 1981–Present: Indianapolis 500-Mile Race
In 2016, the race introduced a presenting sponsor for the first time, with PennGrade being the initial partner.
Race Specifics
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis 500 is held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2.5-mile (4 km) oval circuit. The track features a unique rectangular oval shape with four equal turns and four straightaways—two long and two short chutes. The race traditionally includes 33 starters arranged in eleven rows of three cars each. Drivers complete 200 laps counter-clockwise around the circuit, totaling 500 miles (800 km). Since its inception in 1911, the race has been scheduled on or around Memorial Day. Specifically, since 1974, it has been held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. This day is significant in motorsports as it also hosts the Coca-Cola 600 and usually the Monaco Grand Prix. Practice and time trials occur in the two weeks before the race, with preliminary testing starting as early as April.
The Indianapolis 500 is the premier event of the IndyCar calendar and one of the most prestigious races globally. It is reported to be the largest single-day sporting event worldwide. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also the largest sporting facility by capacity. In 2011, the total prize purse exceeded $13 million, with over $2.5 million awarded to the winner.
Race Timing and Conditions
The Indianapolis 500 typically occurs early in the IndyCar Series season, currently as the sixth event of the 17-race schedule. It is unique in this timing compared to most major sporting events, which are usually held at the end of the season. Because of the race’s high prestige, some teams and drivers focus intensely on preparing for it, sometimes at the expense of their overall championship standings.
Due to safety concerns like aquaplaning, the race is not held in wet conditions. If rain delays occur, the race is postponed until the track is sufficiently dry. If rain falls during the race, officials will stop the race and wait for safe conditions. The race can be declared official if more than half the scheduled distance (101 laps) is completed. Otherwise, the race must resume and reach at least the 101-lap distance to be considered official. The track lacks lighting, so daylight availability is a limiting factor in the case of delays.
The Indianapolis 500 does not use the green-white-checker finish rule common in NASCAR. The race can end under caution, though officials may opt for a late-race red flag to ensure a green-flag finish, as seen in 2014, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
The Cars
The race is contested with “Indy cars,” which are professional-level, single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel race cars. As of 2020, these cars use 2.2L V6, twin-turbocharged engines, producing 550–750 horsepower (410–560 kW). Chevrolet and Honda are the current engine manufacturers, with Dallara as the sole chassis supplier and Firestone as the exclusive tire provider.
The Field
The traditional 33-car starting field is larger than at other IndyCar races. It usually includes all full-time IndyCar Series entries (approximately 20–22 cars) and about 10–15 part-time or “Indy-only” entries. “Indy-only” drivers often come from various racing backgrounds and might include experienced Indy car competitors, former full-time drivers, or occasional drivers from other disciplines.
Technical Regulations
Technical specifications are set by IndyCar and generally align with those of other IndyCar races. In the past, rules at Indianapolis sometimes differed from those at other IndyCar events, leading to certain engine or chassis configurations being legal only at Indianapolis. Teams may enter two machines under a given car number—a “primary” car and a “backup” car (designated with a “T”). Both cars share the same engine and must pass rigorous technical inspections to be eligible to practice and race.
During the race, work on the car is allowed, including routine pit stops and minor adjustments. More extensive repairs can be made in the garage area, but there are limits, such as a prohibition on changing engines and adding oil during the race. Cars that have left the track for repairs may not return to the race after a certain lap.
Qualifying Procedure
Qualifying takes place over two days with a current four-lap (ten-mile) format used since 1939.
- Saturday: Positions 13–30 (or 13–33 if there are only 33 entries) are set. All entries get at least one attempt, with additional attempts allowed if time permits. The fastest twelve advance to a “shootout” on Sunday for the pole position. Drivers qualifying 31st and lower have another chance on Sunday.
- Sunday: Drivers from 31st and lower re-qualify to determine the final three grid spots. The fastest twelve from Saturday compete in a second round, with the top six moving to the Firestone Fast Six to determine the pole position.
Each qualifying attempt includes two warm-up laps, with teams signaling a green flag to start or waving off the attempt if necessary. Weather can impact the qualifying schedule and procedures.
This detailed structure ensures a rigorous and competitive qualifying process, highlighting the skill and strategy required to secure a place in this historic race.
Race Sanctioning: AAA and USAC
From 1911 to 1955, the Indianapolis 500 was overseen by the AAA Contest Board. However, after the 1955 Le Mans disaster, AAA dissolved its Contest Board to focus on its general motoring membership. Subsequently, Tony Hulman, the Speedway owner, established USAC in 1956 to manage the race and Championship racing.
Between 1950 and 1960, the Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA’s World Championship of Drivers, now synonymous with Formula One. However, few drivers participated in both the Indianapolis 500 and other World Championship races. Alberto Ascari was the only European-based driver to compete in the 500 during this period, driving a Ferrari in 1952. In 1958, Juan Manuel Fangio practiced at the track but chose not to race.
Conflict and CART Formation
In the 1970s, disputes over prize money and technical regulations led to conflicts. Following Tony Hulman’s death in 1977 and the tragic loss of several USAC officials in a 1978 plane crash, prominent team owners formed CART in late 1978 to sanction Indy car racing. However, the Indianapolis 500 remained under USAC’s control. For a few years, the race was not officially on the CART calendar, but CART teams and drivers still participated. By 1983, the USAC-sanctioned Indy 500 was recognized on the CART calendar, and points were awarded towards the CART championship. From 1983 to 1995, despite occasional disagreements over technical regulations, the race ran smoothly with CART teams comprising most entries.
The IndyCar Series and Split
In 1994, Speedway owner Tony George announced the creation of the Indy Racing League (IRL), with the Indy 500 as its centerpiece. His goal was to reduce costs, increase oval races, and provide more opportunities for USAC drivers. Critics accused George of leveraging the 500 to control open-wheel racing in the U.S. In 1996, a conflict arose when CART’s schedule clashed with IRL events. George reserved 25 of 33 Indy 500 starting spots for IRL point leaders, limiting opportunities for CART regulars and leading to CART boycotting the race and organizing the U.S. 500 at Michigan. The 1996 Indy 500, won by Buddy Lazier, saw limited CART participation, while the U.S. 500 suffered from a major crash.
In 1997, new rules introduced less expensive cars and production-based engines, creating a divide between CART and IRL equipment. CART teams didn’t participate in the Indy 500 until 2000 when Target Chip Ganassi Racing entered and won with Juan Pablo Montoya. Penske Racing returned in 2001, winning with Hélio Castroneves. By 2003, major teams like Ganassi, Penske, and Andretti Green had joined IRL. CART went bankrupt in 2003, leading to the formation of the Champ Car World Series. The two series operated separately until they unified in 2008 under the IndyCar Series.
NASCAR and the 500
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s World 600 were held on different days, allowing drivers to compete in both. From 1974 to 1992, the events were scheduled simultaneously, making dual participation impossible. A few stock car drivers, like Neil Bonnett in 1979, attempted to qualify at Indy, even if it meant missing Charlotte.
“Double Duty”
From 1994 to 2014, several NASCAR drivers competed in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, known as “Double Duty.” Drivers would fly between Indianapolis and Charlotte after the Indy 500. Tony Stewart became the first to complete both races’ full distance in 2001. However, the Indy 500 start time was moved to 1 p.m. EDT in 2005, reducing the feasibility of participating in both events.
Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt’s Unique Achievements
Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt are the only drivers to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Foyt also won America’s premier endurance races, the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Andretti won the 1978 Formula One World Championship and the Sebring race three times.
Cultural Impact
The Indianapolis 500 has a rich cultural legacy, influencing memorabilia collections, films, and media. The National Indy 500 Collectors Club, founded in 1985, supports memorabilia trading and collecting.
Tradition of Drinking Milk
The tradition of drinking milk at the Indy 500 started in 1933 when Louis Meyer requested buttermilk after his victory. The practice continued, becoming a marketing opportunity for a local dairy company. Since 1956, milk has been offered to winners, except from 1947 to 1955.
Female Drivers
Female drivers were initially discouraged and banned from the Indianapolis 500. Janet Guthrie broke this barrier in 1977. Since then, several women, including Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick, have competed, with Patrick achieving the highest finish (3rd) and leading laps.
Broadcasting
The Indianapolis 500 has been broadcast live on the radio since 1953 and on television with various arrangements since 1949. From 1986 to 2018, ABC aired the race live, except in Indianapolis, where it was tape-delayed to encourage attendance. In 2019, NBC took over the broadcasting rights, continuing the blackout policy for local broadcasts unless the event is sold out. The race was shown live in Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic due to restricted attendance.
Memorabilia and Media
The race has inspired numerous memorabilia collectors and been featured in various films and media, enhancing its cultural significance. The tradition of drinking milk, established by Louis Meyer, and the participation of female drivers like Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick have become iconic aspects of the race’s history.
By weaving together the history of the Indianapolis 500’s sanctioning bodies, its cultural impact, and significant traditions, this comprehensive overview captures the essence of this legendary event.