As the ‘Month of May’ nears, it means one thing for any IndyCar fan: Indianapolis Awaits. One of the most famous motorsports events in the world, part of the triple-crown of events that includes the Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans and this, the Indianapolis 500.
So just what is it that makes the race so special?
A little history behind the 500.
The inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 occurred in 1911, one year after the birth of the historic “brickyard” as winner Ray Harroun completed the race in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds at an average speed of around 120 km/h.
Whilst the famous brick surface was replaced by the much safer asphalt in 1938, there is still a remnant of the old brick paving as it to this day still runs across the start finish line, with it being a tradition for the winning driver to kiss the bricks following the race in a scene that has provided some of the most famous images from the century long running of the 500.
One of the many quirky Indy 500 traditions that have become famous in the world of sports. Another of these is the ceremonial drinking of milk in victory lane for the eventual champion. This was started in 1933 when Louis Meyer was the first to drink milk following a victory, claiming he did so due to his mother telling him that a glass of buttermilk is the best thing to drink on a hot day.
Despite this, shockingly the practice didn’t truly take off until 1956, where every year since the winner has topped of his result by dosing themselves in a cold glass of milk. To this day, every driver is given a choice on their preference leading up to the race, they are able to chose between whole milk, 2 percent and skimmed milk. For those wondering this year’s winner Josef Newgarden selected whole milk.
It wasn’t until 1993 where a problem came up as two-time F1 and Indy 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, who owns an orange grove, decided to get tricky with tradition as he drank his very own orange juice in the Winner’s circle, a decision that was met with a host of boos by the onlooking crowd before the Brazilian eventually caved in and chased it up with a glass of milk shortly after.
Why is it called the “Greatest spectacle in racing”?
Along with the reasons they have already been mentioned, the Indy 500 is exactly as it is described, a SPECTACLE.
The occasion is spread across May, with official practice sessions for the race starting over a week before the green flag is waved on race day. Qualifying takes place the weekend before the race on Saturday and Sunday.
Something our friends across the pond specialize in is to make a show, and a show is certainly what the over 300,000 fans who attend on race day get. The largest crowd in recent memory being when over 350,000 spectators attended the speedway for the 100th running the Indianapolis 500 in 2016. Almost 200,000 more than the highest attended F1 race in recent memory as only 160,000 fans were there on race day for the 2023 British Grand Prix.
Its not just the race, as whilst it is the main attraction, there is plenty to do around the track. The facility boasts a 18 hole golf course as well as a concert area that runs over the whole month which is lovingly named the “snake pit”.
The race also takes place on memorial day, a federal holiday in the United States to honor U.S Military personnel who died whilst serving in the armed forces. This lines up perfectly with the values of the 500 as there are many aspects within race day that pay tribute to the fallen soldiers including military flyover that occurs each year before the green flag.
Where there has been complaints often from traditionalist F1 fans who claim the race doesn’t take much skill, that could not be further from the truth as the Indy 500 is a 200-lap/500-mile race around a 2.5-mile oval, where cars go wheel-to-wheel at up to 240mph, for up to 2 to 3 hours depending on cautions and weather delays. All four corners also have a different radius, so a different approach is needed for each one.
The truth lies in the infamous words heralded by commentator Leigh Diffey every year as the lights go green, “This is and always will be the greatest spectacle in racing”. And it is a spectacle anyone who shows an interest in motor racing or sport in general should take some time out of their day to watch.
