The Indianapolis 500 is called the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing” and is held each year on Memorial Day weekend. Here are some fun facts about this race:
- On May 30, 1911, Ray Harroun won the first race with an average speed of 74.6 miles per hour.
- Of the 23 car makes represented in the inaugural race, only three survive today: Buick, Fiat and Mercedes.
- A.J. Foyt and Al Unser Sr. are the only four time winners.
- Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify for the race in 1977. Danica Patrick has the best finish for a woman with 3rd place in 2009.
- In 1913, Frenchman Jules Goux dominated the race and became the first European winner. He added a unique chapter to his pit routine and chugged champagne during each of his six stops.
- Gaston Chevrolet won in 1920, driving a Monroe-Frontenac built by his brother Louis.
- Pete DePaolo became the first driver to win with an average speed of over 100 miles per hour in 1924.
- A Cummins diesel powered car won the race in 1931. It averaged only 86.1 miles per hour but was able to run the entire 500 miles without refueling.
- Tom Sneva was the first to turn a lap at over 200 miles per hour in 1977.
- Cars with the famous 4-cylinder Offenhauser engine won the race 18 consecutive times (1947-1964) and have a total of 27 wins.
- Mario Andretti won his only 500 in 1969, driving Andy Granatelli’s STP Special.
- In 1936, Louis Meyer won his 3rd 500 and, to the delight of the National Dairy Council, started the tradition of drinking milk in the winner’s circle.
