Happy 100th: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

[Steamboat Ricky]

Yes. 100 years ago today, the founders of the speedway signed the company's articles of incorporation. What resulted was the most hallowed facility in the history of motorsports. Early in its existence, the speedway was home to motorcycle races. Obviously, the speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500, perhaps the most historically famous auto-race of all-time. The first 500 mile race at the speedway occurred on Memorial Day of 1911, seating 80,000 people and sporting an admission price of $1. In 1994, the Brickyard 400 served as NASCAR's debut at the track and continues to be one of the more popular races in the world...arguably more popular than the 500 itself. It was home to the U.S. Grand Prix for several years but has since become extinct. In a different kind of racing, the speedway also hosts a portion of Indianapolis' Mini-Marathon...where runners run on the track itself. The speedway held the opening ceremonies for the 1987 Pan-Am Games, as well as a roller-skating competition. The infield also is home to 4 holes of the Brickyard Crossing golf course.

Being from Central Indiana...whether you like racing or not...it's part of the culture. The 500 is a social event that attracts people who don't know a lick (or care) about auto racing. I have been to 5 (I think) races at the track...the Brickyard twice and the 500 three times. It's a unique experience and worth attending at least once if you have the chance. There is a vast diversity of social classes present (though comprised almost entirely of white people), and it's interesting to see so many of them interact with one another.

Alcohol consumption, much like other sporting events, is a staple of the race. It seems more prevalent than elsewhere because fans are permitted to bring their own beer in coolers that meet racetrack requirements (similar to other speedways).

What are your experiences with the track (if any). Have you attended?

An interesting tidbit...The Speedway is so large that it could house the following within its boundaries at the same time:

1) Vatican City
2) Roman Colosseum
3) The Rose Bowl Stadium
4) Yankee Stadium
5) The racetrack at Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby)...though not the rest of the facility.

Credit much of the information to Wikipedia.

 

[Worlds_Greatest_Booker]

I heard that the Indianapolis Speedway has a capacity of 250,000+

is this true?

 

[HEEL Blazy]

Happy 100th to Indianapolis Speedway.

I look forward to the Indy 500 every year. But for the Brickyard 400 hopefully this year isn't like last year. I swear it was the worst race of the year. They only could run about 15 laps then a caution comes out cause of all the tire problems.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

Happy 100th to Indianapolis Speedway.

I look forward to the Indy 500 every year. But for the Brickyard 400 hopefully this year isn't like last year. I swear it was the worst race of the year. They only could run about 15 laps then a caution comes out cause of all the tire problems.

Oh my gosh, dude. People were like rioting because of this race last year. I think people were legitimately making threats to sue Nascar, blah blah blah, because the race sucked so badly because of the tires.

Sure, the tires sucked, but I never really understood the logic of racing stock cars at IMS. I don't think I've ever seen a Brickyard that didn't really suck big time. They just don't handle well on that track, and I would say that the track itself had a lot to do with the tire malfunctions.

 

[HEEL Blazy]

Yeah I agree. I mean it wouldn't hurt me if the race was dropped off the schedule. The track is better with the Indy Cars and the Indy 500 is like the best race there IMO. I'm more of a Nascar fan but I will admit the IRL puts on a better show at Indianapolis