Indianapolis 500 Fun Facts!
We are fast approaching the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500! Here are some fun facts to get you ready for race day!
1. During the early days of the Indy 500, nearly all the cars were two-seat affairs that included a driver and an onboard “riding mechanic.”
2. Drinking milk in victory lane is one of the most well known aspects of the Indy 500. American Dairy Association even asks drivers ahead of time whether they would like whole, two percent or skim milk in the event that they win the race.
3. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, with more than 250,000 permanent seats.
4. The winner is awarded the sterling silver Borg-Warner Trophy, commissioned in 1935 at a cost of $10,000. The trophy today is valued at more than $1 million.
5. The fastest qualifying speed is 231.468 by Buddy Lazier in 1996.
*Scott Dixon beat Lazier's speed this year with an average speed of 232.164!
6. Fourteen drivers have been killed as the result of accidents during the race, including Bill Vukovich in 1955, who was trying for his third straight victory.
7. If all of the Indy hot dogs and bratwurst sold on race day were laid end-to-end, they would circle the oval more than three times.
How many of these cool facts did you know about the Indianapolis 500? Know of any other interesting facts? Be sure to share them!