MORE INDY 500 FACTS
• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the first track built in the U.S. specifically for auto racing. The original 328 acres has been expanded to 559 acres, and a seating capacity of 235,000 that can expand to 400,000 by filling the infield. This makes it the world’s highest-capacity sports venue. • Whereas some race cars had wheels covered by fenders, cars that had wheels sticking out from the main body of the car became known as “Indy Cars.” • The youngest Indy 500 winner was just 22 years old, California native Troy Ruttman, who, in 1952, drove his Agajanian Special at a recordbreaking average speed of 128.922 mph. Al Unser was just five days shy of his 48th birthday when he became the race’s oldest winner in 1987, his fourth victory. • There has been a pace car at the Indy 500 every year since its 1911 inception. The pace car leads the racers for a ceremonial two-lap run and one official lap prior to the race. It also enters the track in the event of a yellow flag caution event in order to bunch the cars at a reduced speed. The winner of the race is awarded the car at the victory banquet. • Ten women racers have entered at least once. The first female to qualify and compete in the Indy 500 was Janet Guthrie, an aerospace engineer, who drove in the 1977 race. Starting from 18th position, a timing gear failure after just 27 laps forced her to retire from the race. In 2005, Danica Patrick was the first woman to actually lead a lap at the Indy 500. She went on to finish fourth that year, and took third place in 2009. She also has the distinction of being the first Indy 500 driver to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
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