IndyCar News: A Brief History of the Indy 500
Drawing more than 300,000 spectators to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) each year on Memorial Day weekend, the Indy 500 is, without doubt, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
People flock from around the world to watch 33 drivers complete 200 laps, or 500 miles, around the Brickyard in lightning-fast vehicles. The stakes are high, with millions of dollars waiting to be collected by the winner, and the inherent risks of driving a sports car at breakneck speeds around a track.
The Indy 500 has been held annually since 1911, except during both World Wars. However, the race’s history begins not in 1911 but in 1909, with the construction of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since then, the track and the race have undergone major developments and reached significant milestones. Here, we will trace these developments and milestones through time by briefly exploring the history of this world-famous race that has become a mainstay of American culture.
The Origins of the Indy 500 (1909–1911)
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was developed by four businessmen who envisioned a motorway that allowed for vehicles to be tested, showcased, and raced. At the time, Indianapolis roadways were primarily undeveloped dirt roads despite being the country’s fourth-largest automobile producer.
The roads were a far cry from the ideal driving conditions needed to take full advantage of the modern capabilities of cars, but a motorway could serve as a platform to display a car’s full range of abilities.
The inaugural Indy 500 race took place on May 30, 1911. Although it was its debut, it drew considerable attention, with nearly 90,000 spectators and plenty of media coverage. A key part of the attraction was the inherent danger of the event. The IMS was one of the largest racetracks in the world, making it one of the most dangerous for racers.
At the time, vehicle safety features were minimal, and racing vehicles were pared down more than a car you’d find on a public roadway. There were no seatbelts or helmets, and cars were open-cockpit.
Adding to the danger was the track’s composition, which was crushed rock and tar. It was not uncommon for people to place wagers on whether there would be fatalities during the race.
However, all but one of the racers had a riding mechanic who helped keep an eye on other drivers. Ray Harroun, the only driver without a riding mechanic, is often credited with introducing the first rearview mirror and went on to win the event.
The Evolution of the Race (1910s–1940s)
After an impressive debut, the Indy 500 continued to grow. It attracted international drivers and carmakers, increasing the diversity of vehicles on the track. Many international drivers secured victories at the Brickyard.
After the Indy 500 debut, the track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks, leading to its nickname, the “Brickyard.” The new track material allowed cars to reach higher speeds. Seeing this success, by the 1930s, the track began being repaved, this time with asphalt, although a strip of the original brick remains visible at the start line.
It was in 1936 that the tradition of Indy 500 winners drinking a bottle of milk began. Louis Meyer, the year’s winner, drank buttermilk in celebration of his win. Since then, winners have been expected to drink milk after securing their win.
The World Wars suspended the race from 1917 to 1918 and 1942 to 1945. World War II impacted the IMS greatly, as motorsports were banned during this time, and the track became neglected, leading to its sale at the war’s end. The track was bought, repaired, and prepped to welcome racers and spectators again in 1946.
Technological and Racing Innovations (1950s–1970s)
Between the 1950s and 1970s, race cars underwent major changes. Engines were relocated to the rear of the vehicle, seatbelts became standard, aerodynamic designs were developed, chassis were lowered, and roll bars were mandated for all vehicles to protect drivers. By the 1970s, the cars on the track were starting to look more like the cars we see today: lower to the ground, with pointed noses and rear spoilers.
This period saw developments in vehicles and race regulation, with the development of the United States Auto Club (USAC) in 1956. The USAC remains a cornerstone of US motorsports, sanctioning major events and promoting healthy competition, safety, and excellence in the sport.
The Golden Era of the Indy 500 (1980s–1990s)
The 1980s and 1990s saw significant increases in both competition and popularity for the race. More and more drivers were participating in the event from abroad, and several Formula One (F1) drivers decided to participate, too.
Between 1985 and 1998, four F1 drivers won the Indy 500 five times. One of these was Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time winner and F1 World Champion, and another was Jacques Villeneuve, who went on to become a F1 World Champion in 1997. These drivers with prestige and status competing across Indy 500 and Formula 1 events brought even more attention to the already popular Indy 500.
In 1996, another Indy 500 tradition began when drivers kissed the bricks at the start line. Dale Jarrett and his crew chief did this after their win, and Gil de Ferran did it again in 2003. It has remained a winning tradition since.
During this period, the race became a global phenomenon, leading to many products featuring its branding. The Indy 500 also began inspiring video game developers, and many games related to the Indy 500 and the IndyCar series have been released since. Surprisingly, we’ve yet to see an Indy 500-inspired slot game appear in a curated list with 120 spins, but it’s likely just a matter of time until one does.
Modern-Day Indy 500 (2000s–Present)
Indy 500 traditions continue to be celebrated, with the winner drinking a bottle of milk and kissing the start line bricks. Race day continues to draw spectators to the stands and attract millions of viewers through television and streaming. Fans and drivers look forward to this event all year, with the excitement surrounding this historic race growing in size and reach.
