Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 is an automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, which is near Indianapolis, Indiana. It is one of the biggest racing events in the world. Every year more than 200,000 people come there to watch the race. It occurs once a year on the day before Memorial Day. This event gives its name to the IndyCar class, a type of open-wheel race car that races in it. Fans of this race sometimes call the race the Indy 500.

Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500 textlogo.svg
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2024.svg
IndyCar Series
VenueIndianapolis Motor Speedway
LocationSpeedway, Indiana, U.S.
Corporate sponsorPennGrade Motor Oil (2016–2018)
Gainbridge Insurance Agency (2019–present)
First race1911
First IndyCar race1996
Distance500 miles (805 km)
Laps200
Previous names500-Mile International Sweepstakes (1911–1915, 1920–1941, 1946–1980)
300-Mile International Sweepstakes (1916)
Liberty Sweepstakes (1919)
Most wins (driver)A. J. Foyt (4)
Al Unser (4)
Rick Mears (4)
Hélio Castroneves (4)
Most wins (team)Penske (20)
Most wins (manufacturer)Chassis: Dallara (26)
Engine: Offenhauser (27)
Tires: Firestone (76)
Circuit information
SurfaceAsphalt
Length2.5 mi (4.0 km)
Turns4
Lap record37.895 sec (237.498 mph; 382.182 km/h) (Arie Luyendyk, Reynard/Ford-Cosworth XB, 1996)

History

The early years

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex was built in 1909 as a gravel-and-tar track and hosted an assortment of small events, including ones for NASCAR, Indycar, and many others.


Indianapolis 500 Media