The Indianapolis 500, held every year since 1911 in Indianapolis over Memorial Day weekend, is commonly referred to as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. From its very beginning, it has been considered one of the most prestigious racing events in the world, and, along with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, part of the Triple Crown of Motorsports.
While the name of the race is often shortened to Indy 500, the 2.5 mile track itself is nicknamed “the Brickyard”, for its paved surface. The first race was held in 1911, and won by Ray Harroun; however, the most successful drivers include A. J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr., and Rick Mears, each of whom have won the race four times. Mears also holds the record with 6 career pole positions. Ironically, the driver with arguably the most name recognition, Mario Andretti, has only won the race once.
The event is steeped in tradition, in pre-race ceremonies, post-race celebrations, and race procedure. The most noteworthy and most popular include the 33-car field, the annual singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” and the victory lane bottle of milk. Here are some noteworthy facts to help celebrate the 103 running of 500 miles (200 laps):
- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, with more than 250,000 permanent seats.
- In 2019, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti both are attempting to become the race’s fourth four-time winner.
- The winner is awarded the sterling silver Borg-Warner Trophy, commissioned in 1935 at a cost of $10,000. Besides the ultimate bragging rights, the trophy today is valued at more than $1 million.
- On May 30, 1911, the first Indy 500 (originally called the “International Sweepstakes’’) was won with an average speed of 74.602 mph.
- In 1936, Louis Meyer asked for a bottle of buttermilk after he became the first three-time winner. Since 1956, the winner traditionally drinks a bottle of milk in Victory Lane.
- A pre-race tradition (since 1946) is the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.’’ In 1972, actor Jim Nabors was a guest of track owner Tony Hulman, who asked him to sing just moments prior to the opening ceremonies. Nabors had no rehearsal and wrote the lyrics on his hand. He went on to perform the song 45 times over 42 years with his final appearance in 2014.
- Janet Guthrie was the first woman to run in the 500, qualifying 26th and finishing 29th in 1977.
- Danica Patrick holds has the highest finish for a woman (third in 2009)
- In 1991, Willie T. Ribbs was the first African American to qualify, starting 29th and finishing 32nd.
- Al Unser Sr. has led more laps, 644, than any other driver.
- In 1977, Tom Sneva became the first driver at the Speedway to turn a lap at more than 200 mph.
- Fourteen drivers have been killed as the result of accidents during the race.
- If all of the hot dogs and bratwurst sold at the track on race day were laid end-to-end, they would circle the oval more than three times.
In 2019, the race will be broadcast on NBC with the engines scheduled to rumble at 12:38 PM for a start time of 12:45 PM.