In 1909 on 328 acres of farmland northwest of downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built.
On August 19th of that same year, the first race took place on the 2 1/2 mile rectangular track. The short five-mile event resulted in disaster. Two drivers, two mechanics and two spectators will killed with the track surface broke up.
The original surface of rock and tar was replaced by 3,200,000 paving bricks, thus the creating the nickname of “The Brickyard.”
Through the tragedy of the 1909 race, the Indianapolis 500 was born. Over the next two years, the ownership group led by former bicycle racer and automobile dealer Carl Graham Fisher, would ready the track for the first official Indy 500 on May 30, 1911, Memorial Day.
The winner of the grueling 500 mile race was Ray Harroun who finished in six hours and 42 minutes. Harroun beat out 39 other drivers with an average speed of 74.59 MPH and took home $14,250.
Fast forward to 2007 when the 91st Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti earned a record $1.6 million purse.
From the humble beginnings in 1909, the Indy 500 has grown to be known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The race boasts one of the largest attendances, including radio and TV audiences, of any one day sporting event worldwide.
More Information:
- Indy500.com – Official website of the Indianapolis 500.
- Auto Racing – Learn more about auto racing, parts and auto accessories.
- IndyCar.com – Talk with other fans and get info about all the Indy Car races.
Photo courtesy of Jason Borneman.
