“There are only three sports, bull fighting, motor racing, and mountain climbing; everything else is just a game.” While historians may argue whether this famous quote should be attributed to author, Earnest Hemingway or his contemporary, Barnaby Conrad, it is difficult to ignore the truth in its message. The truth is that competitors who gamble their lives to compete deserve some extra measure of respect. It is fitting that we acknowledge this very important distinction in honor of those who ante up.
For more than 100 years drivers from around the world have come to Indianapolis to test themselves and their machines. There is no place on earth that gives more in triumph and takes more in tragedy than the two and a half mile oval at Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway turns dreams into legends. None of that, however, would be possible without the loyal and fanatical support of the spectators who come each year to witness the greatest spectacle in racing.
The Indianapolis 500 mile race is the largest one day sporting event in the world. Attendance, which has never been officially published, is currently estimated at nearly 400,000 thrill-seeking spectators. There are no contenders for this throne. The Indy 500 is the undisputed king of motor sport races. Fittingly, its history is equally astonishing.
Documenting the complete history of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is beyond the scope of this website. Within this website, SpectatorGuides.com attempts to provide some of the historical highlights from the past 100 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.