Indianapolis 500

Guide Note

The Indianapolis 500 is an annual automobile race held during Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. Also known as the Indy 500, the race is the premiere race in the Indy Racing League.

In the 2008 contest, New Zealander Scott Dixon won a clear victory. Dixon started in pole position and led for most of the race. Racing star Danica Patrick was put out of the running Ryan Briscoe ran into her on pit road late in the race. Patrick was furious and stormed towards Briscoe's pit. She was retrained by track staff before a confrontation could develop.

Fast Facts

1. First race held in 1911
2. Distance: 500 Miles
3. Number of laps: 200

Carl Fisher originally founded the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. The first Indy 500 was held two years later on May 30, 1911, and was called the "International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race." Over 80,000 people attended the first race, paying one dollar for admission.

Races were suspended during World War II, during which the track was sold to Anton Hulman Jr. After investing considerable money into the track, the 500 returned in 1956 and has been held each year since.

Drivers practice and qualify in the weeks leading up to the race. At around 5 AM on the day of the race, a loud explosion sounds, announcing the opening of the gates. 33 drivers participate in the race, formerly started by the famous phrase "Gentlemen, start your engines!" More recently, after female drivers became more prevalent in the Indy Racing League, the announcment was changed to "Ladies and Gentlemen..."

Full festivities begin a week before the race, including lavish parties and celebrations. Recently as many as 270,000 spectators attend each race.