description Indianapolis 500 Overview
The Indianapolis 500 is a 500-mile (805 km) open-wheel race held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, on Memorial Day weekend. First run in 1911, it is among the oldest continuously held motorsport events and constitutes a flagship round of the IndyCar Series. The race is contested by purpose-built open-cockpit cars on a 2.5-mile (4 km) rectangular oval. Together with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is commonly grouped as part of motorsport's Triple Crown.
insights Ranking position
Indianapolis 500 ranks #17 of 161 in the Championship ranking, behind US Open (Golf), ahead of Paralympic Games.
help Indianapolis 500 FAQ
When is the Indianapolis 500 held each year?
The Indianapolis 500 is held annually on Memorial Day weekend, typically the Sunday before Memorial Day. The race takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, a tradition dating back over a century.
How long is the Indianapolis 500 race?
The Indianapolis 500 covers exactly 500 miles, consisting of 200 laps around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. The race typically takes about three hours to complete at average speeds exceeding 180 mph.
When was the first Indianapolis 500 held?
The first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911, making it one of the oldest continuously held motorsport events in the world. Ray Harroun won the inaugural race driving a Marmon Wasp, a car that featured the first known use of a rearview mirror in motorsport.
What racing series does the Indy 500 belong to?
The Indianapolis 500 is a flagship round of the IndyCar Series, the premier level of open-wheel racing in North America. Winning the Indy 500 is considered one of the most prestigious achievements in motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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