The History of the Indianapolis 500

Many events in automotive history can be attributed to the creative dream and obsession of a single man to realize his dreams. The Ford and the Jaguar were examples of this. The Indianapolis 500 also began as one man's dream. Carl Fisher of Indianapolis, Indiana conceived the idea of building a racetrack for car manufacturers to test their equipment against that of other manufacturers. And he believed that the general public would be willing to pay to watch these events.

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Carl had some friends who were also interested in his dream. Together they searched for and found land, which they were able to buy for ,000. They then incorporated under the name of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company.

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Although scheduled to open on June 5, 1909, there were several construction delays so the first race was not held until August 19, 1909. Unfortunately, this event was marked by tragedy. Three competitors and two spectators were killed while several other people were injured.

Following these sad occurrences, Fisher announced that the track would be made safer. After paving the track, and installing guardrails, Fisher re-opened the track on December 17, 1909. Many successful events were now held and plans were soon in the works for a new, bigger and better track, which was completed in 1911.

The first Indianapolis 500 was held on May 30, 1911. The winning prize was ,550. Ray Haroun, driving a Marmon Wasp, won.

However, the race did not arouse any interest in Europe until 1913. That year, in addition to cars from the United States, drivers entered from France, England, Germany and Italy. A European driver, Jules Goux, won, driving a 1913 Peugeot. He was the first European winner. Now the American Indy 500 had earned international status. It continued to grow until World War I; during which time all racing activities were suspended. The track served the war effort as a landing field and was also used as an aviation repair depot.

Following the end of World War I, the first race was held on May 31. The winner's prize was ,000. But tragedy struck again, the first time since 1911, and three people were killed.

In 1920, Gaston Chevrolet, in a Monroe, was the first driver across the finish line. He was the first American winner since 1912.

In 1927 Carl Fisher sold the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker. Over the following years, many changes took place. Then during World War II, the Speedway was left idle. Races were discontinued and it was not needed in the war effort.

After repairs and renovation, it re-opened in 1946. That year, George Robson won.

Many traditions have developed around the race. At the end the Purdue Marching Band plays "Back Home Again in Indiana." When the line "the new mown hay" begins, thousands of multicolored balloons are released into the air.

Since the race occurs on Memorial Day, the band plays "Taps" and a US military aircraft performs a fly-by.

There is a more recent tradition, which began in 1996, of the winning driver and crew kissing the yard of bricks that indicate the start/finish line. It is also traditional that the winner drinks a bottle of milk right after the race.

Over the years, Carl Fisher's dream has probably exceeded his wildest expectations. The winning purse has gone from ,550 in 1911 to ,047,150 in 1999. Cars enter and people attend from around the world. Carl Fisher would be happy.

The History of the Indianapolis 500

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