The Indy 500 has many facts that even fans and followers of the sport might not know about. We’ve put together a list of the best facts about Indy 500 which is known to many, as the “Greatest spectacle in racing.”

 

13 Facts About the Indy 500

1. Known as the brickyard because entire track was made of bricks originally

2. The start/finish line is still made of bricks

3. This year Indy 500 is celebrating it’s 100^th race

4. Technically the 100^th year anniversary was in 2011, since the track first opened in 1911, but the race didn’t happen during the years of World War I.

5. The Indy 500 race is considered part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport

6. Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a seating capacity of upward of 250,000

7. Juan Pablo Montoya is the defending champion of the Indy 500

8. This race has made the career of some of the most famous drivers in history

9. The race consists of 200 laps around a 2.5 mile track

10. It is raced counter clockwise around the track

11. Chevrolet and Honda are current engine manufacturers

12. The Indy 500 is one of the most famous races in the world

13. Back Home Again In Indiana is sang every year at the race