Step into the history of the Indy 500

Side view of Indy 500 with white title 500 Indianapolis Motor Speedway in dark blue studio

The 500 miles of Indianapolis is the most important car race in America. Since 1911, the participants have completed 200 laps on the super fast oval track.

The nickname of this oval is The Brickyard because it was originally made of bricks. These original bricks are still at the start and finish, while the rest has been paved with asphalt. Every year the race is held on the Sunday before Memorial Day. The winner traditionally drinks a bottle of milk at the award ceremony.

Triple Crown of Motorsport

The ultimate performance

The Indy 500, together with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. Many drivers consider winning all three to be the ultimate achievement. Fernando Alonso, Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya came close, but only Graham Hill (father of Damon Hill) has all three races on his record.

The Lola-Chevrolet of Arie Luyendyk

In 1990 and 1997 the race was won by the Dutchman Arie Luyendyk. He took his first victory in a Lola-Chevrolet. His average speed in the race was an impressive 382.2 kilometers per hour. Arie is the most successful Dutch racing driver in the United States. A replica of his 1990 car can be admired in the Louwman Museum, alongside many other eye-catchers that competed in the Indy 500 between 1920 and 1961.

Side view of Stutz Bearcat in dark blue studio

Stutz Bearcat 1920

In the 1920s people drove so called speedsters. A low chassis, powerful engine and little frills. A top, windshield and doors were often missing. The Stutz Bearcat had its biggest rival in the Mercer Raceabout.

Side view of Hudson Straight Eight Indianapolis in dark blue studio

Hudson Straight Eight Indianapolis 1933

In 1930, the Indy 500 organization decided that the racers had to be equipped with standard engines, because costs were getting too high. As a result, many major car manufacturers returned to the race, such as this Straight from Hudson. In hindsight, this decision turned out to be the salvation of the Indy 500.

Side view of Ferrari 375 Indianapolis in dark blue studio

Ferrari 375 Indianapolis 1952

Taking part in the Indy 500 in 1952 was not Ferrari's best judgment. However, that year the motorsport federation FIA included the Indy 500 in the Formula 1 championship, which led Ferrari to modify its Grand Prix racers for this event. The Ferrari with the talented Ascari behind the wheel was the only one that managed to qualify for the race.

Side view of Watson Indianapolis in dark blue studio

Watson Indianapolis 1961

The Watson was the first car in which polyester and magnesium were used. This car was also longer, lower, and more aerodynamic than many of its competitors. The center of gravity of this car was placed on the left side specifically for the Indy 500.