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Indianapolis Motor Speedway: facts and figures
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When people find out you live in Indianapolis, many times you are asked about the Indy 500. Whether you attend the race because you follow the sport or simply go to tailgate and do some spectaular people-watching, the Indy 500 is a sight to see.
What is most amazing is the sheer magnitude of the Indy 500 -- the world's largest single-day spectator sporting event. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds 250,000 seats, also making it the biggest sporting venue in the country. This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the race, so I thought it appropriate to share some of the more interesting facts surrounding the race and the track:
- At 1,000 acres, the track can hold Vatican City, Wimbledon, Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Roman Colosseum and the Rose Bowl, according to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- The annual race brings in an estimated $335 million to the city of Indianapolis
- One full lap is 2.5 miles
- The tradition of drinking milk in the winner's circle originated in 1936 when race winner Louis Meyer was photographed drinking buttermilk , his favorite beverage, after the victory.
- Indy cars accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in less than four seconds and can reach speeds up to 240 mph. To put it in perspective, at 238 mph, drivers cover the length of a football field per second (350 feet)
- The tread of racing tires gets close to 212 degrees Fahrenheit -- the temperature of boiling water. At those temperatures, the tread becomes a tar-like consistency to help the tires adhere to the track.
- The first race was won by Ray Harroun on May 30, 1911, paying $14,250.
- Speedway allows personal coolers not larger than 14" by 14" to be carried into the grounds (filled with beverages of choice --alcohol permitted -- as long as not in glass bottles)
That last bullet point is what amazed me the first time I attended the race, but I understood why as soon as we made our way to the seats. Sitting close to the track, you must wear ear plugs due to the car noise, so it's just you, your cooler and the sun watching the cars go round and round. Whether you are a race fan or not, the Indy 500 has something to offer everyone. It's affordable, fun and historical...and did I mention the people-watching?
For more info: www.indymotorspeedway.com
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