[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/history-indy-500\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/history-indy-500\/","headline":"History of INDY 500","name":"History of INDY 500","description":"INDY 500 is celebrating its 101st race this year and as this event is heralded as the \u2018Greatest Spectacle in Racing\u2019 we felt it only right that we take a look at how the Indianapolis 500 came to be. Carl Fisher was the brains behind it all, initially intending to offer manufacturers a place to test their new cars\u2019 top speeds, giving spectators a chance to see new models being pitted against each other. This then evolved into long, yearly […]","datePublished":"2017-05-15","dateModified":"2017-05-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Indy-500-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Indy-500-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/history-indy-500\/","about":["MOTORSPORT"],"wordCount":356,"keywords":["Corvette","Fernando Alonso","Indianapolis 500","Indy 500","McLaren","motorsport","racing"],"articleBody":"INDY 500 is celebrating its 101st race this year and as this event is heralded as the \u2018Greatest Spectacle in Racing\u2019 we felt it only right that we take a look at how the Indianapolis 500 came to be.Carl Fisher was the brains behind it all, initially intending to offer manufacturers a place to test their new cars\u2019 top speeds, giving spectators a chance to see new models being pitted against each other. This then evolved into long, yearly races that over time would grow to become the go-to event for some of the world\u2019s priciest cars.The inaugural race was held in 1911 and was between 40 drivers who covered 500 miles in total over the course of 200 laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Back in the day, mechanics rode alongside the drivers to help with car maintenance and keep an eye out for other racers. This practice ended after the Second World War and resulted in lighter, more aerodynamic vehicles.Despite it being of next to no use because the track surface caused it to vibrate intensely, Ray Harroun was the first to use a rear-view mirror in an automobile and went on to win the 1911 Indy 500 in his single seat vehicle. In 1916 the race was shortened to just 300 miles with 21 cars in an attempt to keep the crowd\u2019s attention from fading, but the traditional set up returned as of 1919.Fernando Alonso at Indy 500This year is Fernando Alonso\u2019s first time at the Indy 500 and whilst oval racing is new to him, he is not afraid to take on the challenge. He will be in a McLaren-entered car and Alonso could drive McLaren\u2019s team to victory for a third time since they previously won with Johnny Rutherford in 1974 and 1976.For the 14th time, a Corvette will act as the official pace car and for 2017 we will see a Corvette Grand Sport leading the drivers to the green flag. The Indy 500 is in the same league as the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours, making at a high point of the global motorsport calendar; the Indy 500\u2019s 101st Running is on Sunday, May 28th."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"New Releases","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/new-releases\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Motorsport","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/new-releases\/\/motorsport\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"History of INDY 500","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/history-indy-500\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]