- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- FestivitiesSports
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Last Sunday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏁
The Indianapolis 500, known as ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ captivates fans every last Sunday of May. Witness 33 drivers push their Indy cars to over 200 mph for 500 miles at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Join millions in celebrating this historic event by tuning in, attending a watch party, or planning a trip to the Brickyard.
Want to sponsor Indianapolis 500? Learn how
Indianapolis 500 timeline
Ray Haroun won the first Indy 500 race with a time of 6 hours and 42 minutes.
AJ Foyt became the first quadruple winner of the Indy 500.
Al Unser Jr. beat Scott Goodyear by less than a half-second, the closest Indy 500 ever.
Danica Patrick became the first woman to lead the Indy 500, although she didn't go on to win.
Aptly-named Australian Will Power won the Indy 500 although he didn’t hold the lead for good until the the final laps.
Indianapolis 500 FAQs
When is Indianapolis 500?
The Indianapolis 500 in 2026 takes place on Sunday, May 24, continuing its tradition as a Memorial Day Weekend staple. It’s a day when the roar of engines fills the air at the iconic Brickyard.
How long is the Indianapolis 500?
The Indianapolis 500 is a 500-mile race, completed over 200 laps of the 2.5-mile oval track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It typically lasts around three hours, depending on caution flags and weather conditions.
How many spectators attend the Indy 500?
The Indianapolis 500 boasts the largest single-day attendance for any sporting event in the world, with estimates often exceeding 300,000 spectators. The sheer scale of the crowd creates an unparalleled atmosphere.
What is the milk tradition at the Indy 500?
The tradition of drinking milk in Victory Lane dates back to 1936 when Louis Meyer requested buttermilk after his win. It was solidified in the 1950s and is now a cherished and unique part of the post-race celebration.
Indianapolis 500 Activities
Watch
Nearly 5 million viewers watched the Indy 500 last year on ABC. Pop some popcorn, plop down on the couch, and join the excitement. You never know what might happen in the unpredictable spectacle of Indy car racing.
Join the fun at the Brickyard
Even people who aren't big fans of automobile racing have the Indy 500 on their bucket list to attend. Like the Kentucky Derby, or the Super Bowl, or the Masters golf tournament, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Learn about the history of the race
Many books capture important moments in the history of the Indy 500. You might start with "Black Noon: The Year They Stopped the Indy 500," about the race in 1964 that began with a massive wreck that killed two drivers.
Fast Indy 500 Facts
Who's that kid?
Troy Ruttman was 22 years old when he won the Indy 500 in 1952.
Whoosh!
Arie Luyendyk clocked in at 237.498 mph during a qualifying lap in 1996.
Four trophies
Three drivers have won the Indy 500 four times – Al Unser, AJ Foyt, and Rick Mears.
Got milk?
Indy 500 winner Louis Meyer drank a glass of buttermilk in Victory Lane after the race in 1936. It's been a tradition pretty much every year since.
Conserving fuel
Both World Wars put the Indy 500 on hold — forcing cancellation a total of six times. Other than that, the race has taken place every year since 1911.
Why We Love Indianapolis 500
A century of speed
This is the 103rd running of the race. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the event, was built in 1909. The first race took place in 1911.
There's lots of drama
In 2011, Dan Wheldon of Great Britain overtook American J.R. Hildebrand on the final lap to win. And racing legend Al Unser was almost 48 years old when he won in 1987. Who says older people can't drive?
It's huge!
The IMS is the largest sports venue in the world, with a seating capacity of 257,000. You could fit the entire city of St. Petersburg, Florida inside!
Indianapolis 500 dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
