Indy 500

The Indianapolis 500 is the world’s most famous and prestigious auto race. It has taken place annually since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway except for 1917-18 and 1942-45 during America’s participation in world wars. ''The Greatest Spectacle in Racing'' covers 500 miles, or 200 laps, on the famous 2.5-mile oval. The Indy 500 is the world's largest single-day spectator sporting event.

About Indy 500

The first Indy 500 was held on May 30, 1911 with Ray Harroun winning. In 2010, Dario Franchitti was the race winner, followed by Dan Wheldon in second and Marco Andretti in third.

Since 1936, the Borg-Warner Trophy has been awarded to the winner of every Indianapolis 500. Each year, a new winner is added in a bas-relief sculpture on the trophy. The winner's wreath began to appear in 1960 when a wreath was placed on Jim Rathmann after winning. This tradition caught on and for the past 30 years, a wreath featuring 33 ivory-colored Cymbidium orchids with burgundy tips, 33 miniature checkered flags and red, white and blue ribbons is placed on the winner's shoulders.

Bump Day is a term for the final day of qualifications before the race. Carb day is the day on which cars qualified for the starting field are given the opportunity to practice in trials. Carb Day is short for Carburetion Day.

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Recent Indy 500 Questions

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