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Indianapolis 500

Experience the thundering thrill of the Indianapolis 500, where speed demons conquer the track in the world's biggest auto racing spectacle!
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When it is?
May 26
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Country
United States
Introduction

Rev your engines, as May 26 marks the highly anticipated Indianapolis 500, also known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing". Ever since its inaugural race in 1911, this iconic event has achieved legendary status in the world of motorsport. Over 300,000 fans fill the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to witness 33 drivers battle it out over 200 grueling laps. That's 500 miles at breakneck speeds, often coming down to the wire in the final few laps. The electrifying atmosphere, the roar of the engines, the palpable tension; there simply is nothing quite like the Indianapolis 500! So, gear up racing enthusiasts, for a day that promises heart-racing excitement, tradition, and speed, as we celebrate the Indianapolis 500!

History of Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500 Dates

Indianapolis 500 Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1911</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Indianapolis 500</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural race of the Indianapolis 500 took place, won by Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Drinking Milk Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Race winner Louis Meyer began the tradition of drinking milk in the victory lane, a tradition that continues today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Return Post World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>After a 4-year pause for World War II, Indianapolis 500 races resumed in 1946. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Unser Makes Family History</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Unser family became the first to have three winning drivers – Bobby, and his sons Al Jr and Robby.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>De Ferran Sets Record</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gil de Ferran set the current track record at 237.498 mph during qualifying.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kanaan's Popular Win</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fan favorite Tony Kanaan won his first and only Indy 500 after 12 previous attempts.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Indianapolis 500

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an Indy 500 themed party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over and throw an Indianapolis 500 themed party complete with race car decorations, Indy 500 trivia games, and prizes for the winners. Don't forget to serve race-inspired food and beverages.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Watch a replay of a classic race</h3><p class='facts-text'>Given the storied history of the Indianapolis 500, there are plenty of iconic races to choose from. Gather your friends and relive these classic moments of sheer racing excitement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Collect Indianapolis 500 memorabilia</h3><p class='facts-text'>From signed helmets to model cars, there are plenty of collectibles out there to remember the Indianapolis 500 by. These can either be purchased or, if you're crafty, made at home.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Play a racing video game</h3><p class='facts-text'>What better way to feel part of the action than to drive the circuit yourself? Games like Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo have the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track to race on.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you are in the area, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a must-visit. From learning about the rich history of this iconic race to seeing the cars up-close, it's an experience that all racing fans will love.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Indianapolis 500

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Indy 500 is a historic event</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in rich history, having taken place since 1911. It brings together history and tradition in a way that’s magical for fans. This race has made legends and kept fans on the edge of their seats for over a century.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a feast for racing enthusiasts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's excitement at every turn in the Indianapolis 500! The high-octane action has fans across the globe from all walks of life revving their engines in happiness. With top-class drivers pushing for the pinnacle of motorsport, it’s an experience that thrills unlike any other!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Brings People Together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you're watching the race from the stands at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or from the comfort of your own home, the Indianapolis 500 has a way of bringing people together. It offers a great opportunity to gather with fellow racing enthusiasts and enjoy the electric atmosphere!</p></div></div>

5 Race-Defining Facts about Indianapolis 500

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indianapolis Motor Speedway Is the World's Largest Sporting Venue</h3><p class='facts-content'>The home of the Indianapolis 500, this 2.5 miles long racetrack has a seating capacity for a staggering 400,000 spectators, making it the largest sports venue in the world in terms of capacity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rookie Winning the Race is Rare</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's not common for a rookie driver to win the Indy 500. Since 1911, only eight rookies drivers have ever won the race, making it a truly exceptional accomplishment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's A Unique Tradition of Not Drinking Champagne</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike most sporting events, the tradition at Indy 500 is for the winner to drink milk instead of champagne. This tradition began in 1936 and has stuck around with a few exceptions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Race Cars Use Ethanol Fuel</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to other auto racing competitions that use gasoline or diesel, all the cars in Indianapolis 500 race use ethanol fuel, a renewable domestic fuel made from corn which is cleaner and greener.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bricks Play a Significant Role in the Race's History</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Speedway was originally surfaced with bricks, hence the nickname “The Brickyard”. While most have been replaced, one yard of brick remains at the finish line as a nod to history.</p></div></div>

Indianapolis 500 FAQs

Indianapolis 500 Dates

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Date
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2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

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