Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500

One of the many things that Indiana is famous for is racing. Of all the races held annually in the United States, the Indianapolis 500 is definitely the most popular, offering true race fans the ultimate racing rich history behind, filled with numerous braking records and winnings, proving that sporting events can reach a worldwide audience with great ease.

The first race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the year the track was built, had disastrous results. The race was canceled only after half a mile due to the increase number of accidents. In an effort to prevent further accidents from happening, the track was paved with an incredible number of 3.2 million bricks, causing the Speedway to receive the nickname The Brickyard.

The first official race took place on Memorial Day, 30th of May in 1911 and Ray Horroun was the proud winner. At that time, he couldn’t suspect how unbelievably popular Indy 500 was going to become.

Foreign drivers started to be attracted to the amazing race of Indianapolis 500 and soon they became regular participants. Drivers from Brazil, Italy or Columbia have won the race more than once and today drivers come from all over the world to take part in the wildest spectacles of Indiana Racing. There are even NASCAR drivers who became interested in this event, making from participation a long-lasting tradition.

Indiana racing has entered history with The Indianapolis 500 and when we think about the 226 races that were held between won, we cannot but agree. Other racing competitions such as US Grand Prix and Indianapolis 400 have made Indiana famous but none have offered the world so much spectacle and so many things to tell. Abandoned throughout WW II, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has undergone extensive renovations after the war ended and today it is one of the oldest yet good-looking racing tracks in the world. Gathering millions of fans from every corner of the world, it is the race where all-time track records are made and (as a fun fact) where you could fit the Vatican if you would want to.

Automobile races have been held every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From that time, cars have changed in appearance and also in power. If the first winner of Indy 500 won the race with 74 mph, today the braking records are much more incredible. Traditions have been created along the race such as the drinking of milk for the winner, the playing of “On the Banks of the Wabash” by a marching band or the participation of multiple aircrafts at the festivities. Indiana racing is so much more than just an automobile race, it is an important part of history and quite incredible if you may ask me. It just goes to prove of the many things Indiana residents should be proud of.