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The Indianapolis 500, formally known as the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, [1] [2] and commonly shortened to Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, United States, an enclave suburb of Indianapolis. The event is traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend, usually the last weekend of May.
The two to three weeks of practice and qualifying leading up to the Indianapolis 500 is known in racing circles simply as "the month of May [at Indianapolis]". In early years, the track traditionally opened for practice on May 1 (regardless of the day of the week). This practice dated back to 1911.
Two editions of the Indianapolis 500, in 1924 and 1941, were won by two drivers sharing a car; [15] relief drivers were used in the winning entries in 1911, 1912, 1923, and 1925, but they are not recognized as race winners. [5] Team Penske has won the most races as a car entrant with 20 since their first in 1972. [c] [2]
Watson-built roadsters won the Indianapolis 500 in 1956, 1959, 1960, 1962, and 1964; and the 1961 and 1963 winners were closely resembled Watson-based designs. During this time (1950–1960), the Indy 500 awarded points towards the World Championship of Drivers. However, very few European entries even made an attempt to race at Indy.
Each race stood on its own and earned its own trophy. All races were sanctioned by the AAA (as were the Indianapolis 500 races through 1955). 1910 also saw the speedway host the National Aviation Meet, featuring Wilbur and Orville Wright and highlighted by Walter Brookins setting a world record by taking a plane up to 4,938 feet (1,505 m). [10]
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Printable IMS map for Indy 500 Below is a printable map of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the day of the race. To print, click the 'pop out' button in the top right corner, then use the ...
From 1950 to 1960 the race was inserted in Formula One calendar. During 1979-1980 and 1983–1995, it was, though sanctioned by the United States Auto Club, a points-paying race of the Championship Auto Racing Teams series, and from 1996 to present day in the Indy Racing League