The Indianapolis 500 (INDY 500) is a race held each year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, IN. The event is held over Memorial Day weekend. It is part of the IndyCar Series, the top level of American Championship Car open-wheel racing.
Sometimes referred to as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, is considered part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) seats upwards of 250,000, and infield patrons raise the race-day attendance to approximately 300,000.
The first INDY 500 was won by Ray Harroun in 1911. The most successful drivers are A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears, each of whom have won the race four times. The most successful car owner is Roger Penske (Team Penske), which has 16 total wins and 17 poles.