Countdown To 100th Run Of Indianapolis 500

In 63 days the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will celebrate the 100th running of the 500 mile race. The 100th anniversary promises to be a very exciting year.

On May 30th, 1911, forty cars, then called motorcars, took to the starting line of the first Indianapolis 500 to race for the most expensive purse in racing… $14,250 (equivalent to about $356,250.00 today). Ray Harmon in a Marmon Wasp won the race in 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 8 seconds with an average speed of 74.59 mph. A new starting point in racing history began, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway held what would be one of the most celebrated racing events in the world, The Indianapolis 500.

First lets explain how 1911 – 2016 equals 100 years. The 500 race is typically held on Memorial Day weekend every year except war years, 1917-1918 and 1942-1945, which is how 2016 will be the actual 100th running of the race.

The week prior to the Memorial Day Weekend run is filled with Indy practice laps and qualifying rounds. This year promises more excitement than past events with plenty of big name drivers in town. Below is the latest schedule for the event packed weekend.

MILLER LITE CARB DAY – FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

08:00am – Gates Open

11:00am – 12:00pm – Indy 500 Practice

12:30pm – Indy Lights Freedom 100 – 40 Laps

01:30pm – Tag Heuer Pit Stop Competition

03:30pm – Miller Lite Carb Day Concert feat. Journey

LEGENDS DAY HONORING CHAMPIONS OF THE 500 – SATURDAY, MAY 28

08:00am – Gates Open

09:00am – Full Field Autograph Session

11:00am – Public Drivers Meeting

12 pm to 1:30 pm – 500 Festival Parade Downtown Indianapolis

03:00pm – Corey Cox Concert

03:50pm – Chris Janson Concert

05:00pm – Blake Shelton Concert

Evening – KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball

100TH RUNNING OF THE INDY 500 – SUNDAY, MAY 29

06:00am – Gates Open

12:20pm – 100th Running of the Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil – 200 Laps

Tickets for all IMS events are available online but act fast, it is almost sold out.  This year the commemorative keepsake tickets are a special clear plastic featuring Juan Pablo Montoya.

We know there are a number of vintage cars with Indianapolis history planning to take to the track during the festivities, thought the exact time has not yet been published. Many past indy cars and drivers will be on hand for this exciting reunion. This will be a camera required weekend!

Do make time for the IMS Hall of Fame Museum where you can see the Marmon Wasp and numerous other cars which have taken to the hallowed track.

Photo: Firestone Racing

Watch for the special Firestone Tires on the cars. You’ll notice unique sidewalls with the driver names of past Firestone-shod Indy winners and the distinctive red or white F-shield indicating left or right tires.

Check back next week week we’ll have some fun facts on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500 race.