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Event Information

 

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, 200 laps on the famous 2.5-mile oval. It currently is the marquee race on the schedule for the IZOD IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in North America.

The “500” is the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event.

 

 

 

Schedule

Be sure to be on time for all the events at this year's Indianapolis 500. There are activities all day long. View Schedule

Celebration of Automobiles

The Celebration of Automobiles is an incredible array of historic and vintage cars displayed at the most iconic racing facility in the world. The perfect combination of speed, elegance, and nostalgia. Learn More

Snake Pit

The Snake Pit at the Indianapolis 500 is the biggest party in the month of May. Packed with performances, food trucks and much more. Learn More

Coors Light Carb Day

Coors Light Carb Day is the second-biggest day of the month and features all kinds of entertainment. Learn More

IMS Kids Club

The IMS Kids Club is an organization for the young race fans in your life. It has fun and exciting events for kids during all of the events, as well as year round. Learn More

 

 

A few other facts about the race:

  • Only three of the 726 drivers who have competed in the race have won four times: A.J. Foyt (1961, ‘64, ‘67, ‘77), Al Unser (1970, ‘71, ‘78, ‘87) and Rick Mears (1979, ‘84, ‘88, ‘91).
  • Rick Mears holds the record with six Indianapolis 500 pole positions (1979, ’82, ’86, ’88, ’89, ’91).
  • Eight rookies have won the Indianapolis 500, with Helio Castroneves in 2001 the last driver to achieve the feat.
  • Ray Harroun won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and immediately retired as a race driver.
  • Troy Ruttman is the youngest driver to win the Indianapolis 500, age 22, in 1952; Al Unser is the oldest driver to win, age 47, in 1987.
  • Arie Luyendyk won the 1990 Indianapolis 500 at an average speed of 185.981 mph, the record average speed for the race. Luyendyk also holds the all-time speed record for qualifying at the race, a four-lap average of 236.986 mph in 1996.
  • Helio Castroneves earned $3,048,005 for his 2009 victory, a record winner’s purse for the race.

 

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