Event Information

 

The Indianapolis 500 is the world’s most famous and prestigious auto race. It has taken place annually since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway except for 1917-18 and 1942-45 during America’s participation in world wars.

“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” covers 500 miles, 200 laps on the famous 2.5-mile oval. It currently is the marquee race on the schedule for the IZOD IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in North America.

The “500” is the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event.

 

 


 

Schedule

Be sure to be on time for all the events at this year's Indianapolis 500. There are activities all day long. Click here to learn more.

Directions

We'll make getting to IMS a piece of cake. Click here to learn more.

Parking & Tailgating

There are several different locations to park and tailgate at IMS. Click here to learn more.

Camping-Overnight Parking

Get the full experience of the Indy 500 and spend the weekend at IMS. Click here to learn more.

Lodging

We've set up an area to help plan your hotel accomdations. Click here to learn more.

Miller Lite Carb Day

Miller Lite Carb Day is the second-biggest day of the month and features all kinds of entertainment.  Click here to learn more.

Experience Indy

Indy's rich heritage and tradition never fail do create lifelong memories. Click here to learn more.

Party Scene

It's a huge event with a lot of people. The Indy 500 is a blast, and there are all kinds of ways to have a great party. Click here to learn more.

Family Affair

Families have been an important part of IMS since its creation. Bring your family out to IMS. Click here to learn more.

Indy 500 FAQs

We've got answers to most of your questions. Click here to learn more.

 


 

A few other facts about the race:

  • Only three of the 726 drivers who have competed in the race have won four times: A.J. Foyt (1961, ‘64, ‘67, ‘77), Al Unser (1970, ‘71, ‘78, ‘87) and Rick Mears (1979, ‘84, ‘88, ‘91).
  • Rick Mears holds the record with six Indianapolis 500 pole positions (1979, ’82, ’86, ’88, ’89, ’91).
  • Eight rookies have won the Indianapolis 500, with Helio Castroneves in 2001 the last driver to achieve the feat.
  • Ray Harroun won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and immediately retired as a race driver.
  • Troy Ruttman is the youngest driver to win the Indianapolis 500, age 22, in 1952; Al Unser is the oldest driver to win, age 47, in 1987.
  • Arie Luyendyk won the 1990 Indianapolis 500 at an average speed of 185.981 mph, the record average speed for the race. Luyendyk also holds the all-time speed record for qualifying at the race, a four-lap average of 236.986 mph in 1996.
  • Helio Castroneves earned $3,048,005 for his 2009 victory, a record winner’s purse for the race.