The Indianapolis 500

What It Covers

The Indianapolis 500 traces its evolution from a 1909 automobile testing ground into the world's largest single-day sporting event, drawing 350,000 attendees annually and averaging over 200 mph across 500 miles.

Key Questions Answered

• •Origins as engineering laboratory: The Indy 500 began in 1911 as a durability contest for emerging automotive technology, not purely a race. Winning proved engines, tires, and components could sustain high speeds — the first winner, Ray Harroun, introduced both the rear-view mirror and early aerodynamic design.
• •Series split cost both sides dearly: The 1994–2008 CART/IRL civil war, triggered when speedway owner Tony George reserved 25 of 33 starting spots for IRL regulars, fragmented audiences, confused sponsors, shrank TV ratings, and handed NASCAR the opportunity to become America's dominant motorsport series.
• •International shift since 1989: From 1916 to 1988, only two non-American drivers won the race. Since 1989, international drivers have claimed 26 of 37 victories, reflecting a structural shift in open-wheel racing talent toward Brazilian and European competitors.
• •Scale remains unmatched: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds 257,325 seats but regularly accommodates roughly 350,000 race-day attendees including infield. The 2025 race drew 7.1 million TV viewers, a 41% year-over-year increase and the highest figure in 17 years.