THE RACING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 1940s 1930s 1920s 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s 2010s 2000s 1990s 2020 1909 1910s RECENT POSTS THE GREAT MOTORCYCLE INVASION OF 1909 On Aug. 1, 1909 The Indianapolis Star predicted thousands of motorcyclists would soon “invade Indianapolis.” 03/23/2020 Lorem ipsum dolor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. 03/23/2020 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1910 THE BLAH BLAH BLAH ERA 1910s VIDEO AUDIO LOOK BOOK ARTICLE 4/9 1/9 1910 1909 On March 20, 1909, founders Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby and Frank H. Wheeler officially formed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company. The four men pooled together their resources and purchased the land in December 1908. Fisher’s vision was to build an automobile testing ground to support Indiana’s growing automotive industry. June 5, 1909 AUG. 14, 1909 The first motorized races—using motorcycles—took place on the IMS oval, which had a racing surface composed of crushed stone sprayed with tar. A.G. Chapple won the first race, a five-mile handicapped race with seven competitors, on an Indian motorcycle. Donalds Speaks on the 1909 year. DIGITAL DONALD The first competitive event took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—a gas-filled balloon race. In the handicap division, Dr. Goethe Link and Russ Irvin’s “Indianapolis” won. John Berry and Paul McCullough won the National Championship race with the “University City.” THE STORY OF HOW IT ALL BEGAN AT THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY THE FOUR FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY “No record, no pay,” was the mantra of rugged Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker, best known for traversing the country coast-to-coast on the... 03/03/2020 “CANNON BALL” BAKER ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON 1909 ALMANAC 3/9 2/9 The original vision of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s four founders in 1909 called for a giant, 5-mile track... 02/18/2020 A VISION AHEAD OF ITS TIME ARTICLE Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall-of-Fame driver Johnny Aitken could be the answer to a number of Trivial Pursuit questions... 02/11/2020 THE SPEEDWAY’S WINNINGEST DRIVER READ MORE ARTICLE The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in the spring of 1909, the result of a creative vision of Carl G. Fisher... 03/20/2020 THE STORY OF HOW IT ALL BEGAN AT THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ARTICLE CARL G. FISHER (Jan 12, 1874-July 15, 1939) was an energetic impresario who overcame poor eyesight... 03/20/2020 THE FOUR FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ARTICLE The original vision of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s four founders in 1909 called for a giant, 5-mile track... 02/18/2020 A VISION AHEAD OF ITS TIME ARTICLE On Aug. 1, 1909 The Indianapolis Star predicted thousands of motorcyclists would soon “invade Indianapolis.” 03/23/2020 THE GREAT MOTORCYCLE INVASION OF 1909 ARTICLE “No record, no pay,” was the mantra of rugged Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker, best known for traversing the country coast-to-coast... 03/03/2020 READ MORE “CANNON BALL” BAKER ARTICLE 03/23/2020 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. VIDEO 03/23/2020 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. VIDEO 1909 1910s READ MORE READ MORE READ MORE READ MORE 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 1909 READ MORE READ MORE 1909 On March 20, 1909, founders Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby and Frank H. Wheeler officially formed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company. The four men pooled together their resources and purchased the land in December 1908. Fisher’s vision was to build an automobile testing ground to support Indiana’s growing automotive industry. JUNE 5, 1909 The first competitive event took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—a gas-filled balloon race. In the handicap division, Dr. Goethe Link and Russ Irvin’s “Indianapolis” won. John Berry and Paul McCullough won the National Championship race with the “University City.” The first motorized races—using motorcycles—took place on the IMS oval, which had a racing surface composed of crushed stone sprayed with tar. A.G. Chapple won the first race, a five-mile handicapped race with seven competitors, on an Indian motorcycle. AUG. 14, 1909 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall-of-Fame driver Johnny Aitken could be the answer to a number of Trivial Pursuit questions... 02/11/2020 READ MORE THE SPEEDWAY’S WINNINGEST DRIVER ARTICLE At 111-years-old, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the oldest continually operating racetrack in the United States and is known as The Greatest Race Course in the World. With more than 250,000 permanent seats, it is the world's largest sports seating facility and hosts the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500. “I have reflected on how Mr. Andrews could never have imagined the impact his drawings would have on the American automobile and motorsports. I have placed my hands on the very spot where a laborer laid some of the most historic brick on record. They had a job to get done - never realizing they were setting 3.2 million pieces of history.” –Kevin Forbes Check back next week to learn about the 1910s, including the shortest scheduled Indy 500. The only known photograph of the four original owners together, very likely taken on the morning of the inaugural “500” on May 30, 1911, shows, left to right, Arthur Newby, Frank Wheeler, Carl Fisher and James Allison. One of the first photos from on-track action at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Louis Chevrolet, in his No. 31 machine, joins the lineup of cars organized on the frontstrech before the race begins. Although frequently identified as Carl Fisher, this is, in fact, Lewis Strang, who was destined to start from the pole in the first Indianapolis 500, held more than two years after this photograph was taken in March 1909. The scale model of the track Strang is looking at was displayed outside Turn 2. A photo of one of the first known grandstand tickets to an event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Check back next week to learn about the 1910s, including the shortest scheduled Indy 500. 5/9 Spectators line up for a view during a 250-mile race at IMS in 1909. Notice how close spectators could get to the racing surface in 1909 as drivers raced by at speeds near 75 mph. 6/9 The drivers participating in the first automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909 line up on the frontstretch to form the starting grid on what would soon become The Greatest Race Course in the World. 7/9 The start of the “marathon” 300 mile race for the Wheeler-Schebler trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909, which was the feature race on the last day of a three-day period of automobile racing. 8/9 Dust-filled on-track action in 1909 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dust was a problem in the Speedway’s early days, and at times it was so dusty drivers struggled seeing where to go. 9/9 Two drivers race past the original scoring tower during one of many short “dashes” that filled the racing schedule at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909, a time “Where America Learned to Race.” LOOK BOOK IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE

1912 1913 A four-tier tower of the Japanese pagoda design was erected. It’s believed this design was chosen because co-founder Frank H. Wheeler had a keen interest in Japanese architecture. DIGITAL DONALD The Indianapolis 500 became the highest paying sporting event in the world when Carl Fisher increased the total purse to $50,000 and first prize to $20,000. Navigating World War I IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON RECENT POSTS 1910 The first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, then called the “International Sweepstakes,” was won by Ray Harroun at an average speed of 74.602 mph. It is believed that Harroun’s Marmon “Wasp” was the first automobile, worldwide, to have a rearview mirror. MAY 30, 1911 1910s 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2010s MAY 30, 1911 The first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, then called the “International Sweepstakes,” was won by Ray Harroun at an average speed of 74.602 mph. It is believed that Harroun’s Marmon “Wasp” was the first automobile, worldwide, to have a rearview mirror. 1912 The Indianapolis 500 became the highest paying sporting event in the world when Carl Fisher increased the total purse to $50,000 and first prize to $20,000. A four-tier tower of the Japanese pagoda design was erected. It’s believed this design was chosen because co-founder Frank H. Wheeler had a keen interest in Japanese architecture. 1913 IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD 03/23/2020 VIDEO Comparisons of Ray Harroun to NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath may seem a stretch, but it is true both... 02/06/2020 READ MORE secrets of the marmon wasp ARTICLE READ MORE 01/02/2020 “No race is won until the tape is crossed and I realized that all the time. It’s hard luck, but it’s all in the game. I did my best, and... Ralph De Palma: ARTICLE The oddest event ever staged at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in its 100-plus-year history was something called... 02/02/2020 READ MORE The Hazard Race of 1910 ARTICLE 1910s ALMANAC One of the great iconic images of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s earliest days depicts a man crouching over a model of the track... 02/02/2020 READ MORE ARTICLE READ MORE 02/02/2020 Perhaps the best example of how the founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway saw their facility as something more... THE INDIANAPOLIS AIR SHOW ARTICLE Donalds Speaks on the 1909 year. 03/23/2020 The Inaugural Indy 500 Race VIDEO Lorem ipsum dolor. AUDIO On Aug. 1, 1909 The Indianapolis Star predicted thousands of motorcyclists would soon “invade Indianapolis.” 02/02/2020 THE GREAT MOTORCYCLE INVASION OF 1909 READ MORE ARTICLE Comparisons of Ray Harroun to NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath may seem a stretch, but it is true both predicted... 02/06/2020 Secrets of the Marmon “Wasp” READ MORE ARTICLE “No race is won until the tape is crossed and I realized that all the time. It’s hard luck, but it’s all in the game. I did my best, and... 01/02/2020 Ralph De Palma: INSPIRATIONAL IN VICTORY & DEFEAT READ MORE ARTICLE 1910s ALMANAC The oddest event ever staged at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in its 100-plus-year history was something called... 02/02/2020 The Hazard Race of 1910 READ MORE ARTICLE On Aug. 1, 1909 The Indianapolis Star predicted thousands of motorcyclists would soon “invade Indianapolis.” 02/02/2020 THE GREAT MOTORCYCLE INVASION OF 1909 READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 9/10 Ray Harroun driving his winning Marmon “Wasp” in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Harroun worked in Marmon’s engineering department based in Indianapolis. 8/10 A small pack of cars race through the turns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911, led by Ralph dePalma (No. 2) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 7/10 With a cameraman capturing it all, the field of drivers come through the first turn during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Drivers pictured in this photo are Will Jones (No. 9), Joe Jagersberger (No. 8) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 6/10 Turns 1 and 2 at the south end of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, along what would become 16th Street, on Indianapolis 500 Race Day in 1911. 5/10 An artistic rendition of the event program cover from the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 4/10 A newspaper clipping from the Indianapolis News, which highlights the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and the notable attendance of an automotive industry giant. On race morning in 1911, the four founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pose for a photo with Henry Ford (left). 3/10 The first 40 drivers to race in the Indianapolis 500 pose for a photo on the frontstretch before the beginning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 2/10 1/10 The 40-car field lines up on the frontstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. The Inaugural Indy 500 Race The indy 500 year-by-year 9/10 Ray Harroun driving his winning Marmon “Wasp” in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Harroun worked in Marmon’s engineering department based in Indianapolis. 8/10 A small pack of cars race through the turns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911, led by Ralph dePalma (No. 2) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 7/10 With a cameraman capturing it all, the field of drivers come through the first turn during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Drivers pictured in this photo are Will Jones (No. 9), Joe Jagersberger (No. 8) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 6/10 Turns 1 and 2 at the south end of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, along what would become 16th Street, on Indianapolis 500 Race Day in 1911. 5/10 An artistic rendition of the event program cover from the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 4/10 A newspaper clipping from the Indianapolis News, which highlights the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and the notable attendance of an automotive industry giant. On race morning in 1911, the four founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pose for a photo with Henry Ford (left). 3/10 The first 40 drivers to race in the Indianapolis 500 pose for a photo on the frontstretch before the beginning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 2/10 1/9 The 40-car field lines up on the frontstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR LOOK BOOK Inspirational in victory & defeat The Indy 500’s first pole sitter 1911: A massive crowd, estimated as high as 85,000, witnessed the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911... ARTICLE 02/02/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year READ MORE Dario Resta, driving a Peugeot, won the 1916 Indianapolis Classic, which, partially due to conservation efforts toward the war in Europe... ARTICLE 02/11/2020 Navigating World War I READ MORE 10/10 Ray Harroun takes the checkered flag and wins the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. Harroun finished the race with an average speed of 74.602 mph in just under seven hours. LOOK BOOK 10/10 Ray Harroun takes the checkered flag and wins the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. Harroun finished the race with an average speed of 74.602 mph in just under seven hours. 9/10 Ray Harroun driving his winning Marmon “Wasp” in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Harroun worked in Marmon’s engineering department based in Indianapolis. 8/10 A small pack of cars race through the turns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911, led by Ralph dePalma (No. 2) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 7/10 With a cameraman capturing it all, the field of drivers come through the first turn during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Drivers pictured in this photo are Will Jones (No. 9), Joe Jagersberger (No. 8) and Louis Disbrow (No. 5). 6/10 Turns 1 and 2 at the south end of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, along what would become 16th Street, on Indianapolis 500 Race Day in 1911. 5/10 An artistic rendition of the event program cover from the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 4/10 A newspaper clipping from the Indianapolis News, which highlights the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and the notable attendance of an automotive industry giant. On race morning in 1911, the four founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pose for a photo with Henry Ford (left). 3/10 The first 40 drivers to race in the Indianapolis 500 pose for a photo on the frontstretch before the beginning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 2/10 1/9 The 40-car field lines up on the frontstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 10/10 Ray Harroun takes the checkered flag and wins the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. Harroun finished the race with an average speed of 74.602 mph in just under seven hours. Experience the first decade in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history THE JALENS COPY SUCKS ERA IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1920s 1920s 1920s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 02/21/2020 8th Running of the Indy 500 VIDEO LOOK BOOK Larger than life characters during the 1920's, sport's Golden Era, captured imag-inations with inspiring tales of heroic accomplishment... 03/19/2020 READ MORE Tommy Milton: Indy’s First Two-Time Winner ARTICLE READ MORE 02/21/2020 In the early days of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, then known as the International 500-Mile Sweepstakes... Firestone Tires Went the Distance ARTICLE A full century ago, one of the most iconic names in American automotive history pulled into Victory Circle at the Indianapolis... 04/10/2020 READ MORE a Century of Success for Chevrolet ARTICLE 1920s ALMANAC While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is well over 100 years old, the golf course located on its fabled grounds is approaching its... ARTICLE 03/11/2020 Rickenbacker Installs New Golf Course READ MORE READ MORE 1920: Although 1915 winner Ralph de Palma is perhaps best remembered for his shattering defeat of 1912 (he led all but the first two laps... 03/19/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD The “Roaring Twenties” brought increased speeds and many “firsts” to IMS. 1920s 10/10 A group gathers around Louis Meyer’s No. 14 Miller machine after the finish of the 1928 Indianapolis 500. Meyer led just 19 laps in his first of three Indianapolis 500 win, which was also his first official start in the “500.” 9/10 A view of the 1928 Indianapolis 500 from the pits, with the crowd watching the 500-mile spectacle behind them. The pits in the early days of the Indy 500 are notably different than today, with not even a wall separating the track from the pits. 8/10 Eddie Rickenbacker (second from left) poses for a photo on Indianapolis 500 race day in 1928, his first race day as the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 7/10 Major excitement on Lap 24 of the 1927 Indianapolis 500 when fuel leaking from a split tank on Norman Batten’s car ignited into flames. Instead of pulling into the fuel-laden pits, Batten stood up in the cockpit and drove the car safely past the pits to avoid further fires. 6/10 George Sounders and team pose with the No. 32 Duesenberg as the winners of the 1927, Indianapolis 500. This would be the last race under the ownership of the Carl Fisher/James Allison group, who would sell the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker in August of that year. 5/10 A soaking-wet Frank Lockhart in Victory Circle after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1926. Lockhart was two laps ahead of second place finisher Harry Hartz when rain ended the race after 400 miles. 4/10 Peter DePaolo, the 1925 winner of the Indianapolis 500, after the finish. With the win, DePaolo became the first driver to finish with an average speed of more than 100 mph. DePaolo averaged 101.13 mph and led 115 laps. Tommy Milton poses in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with is No. 1 H.C.S. Miller machine. With the win in 1923, Milton became the first two-time winner of the “500.” 3/10 Jimmy Murphy takes the checkered flag first and wins the Indianapolis 500 in 1922. Murphy became the first driver to win the race from the pole position, and he won with a then-record average speed of 94.484 mph. 2/10 1/10 Tommy Milton takes the checkered flag, which is being waved from high atop the frontstretch at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in 1921. Milton won driving a Frontenac, giving the Chevrolet brothers two straight Indianapolis 500 wins. IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE Former Indianapolis 500 driver and World War I “Flying Ace” Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and associates purchased the Speedway for $750,000. The original Pagoda was razed with fire after the 1925 Indianapolis 500 and replaced with a similar yet slightly larger version for the 1926 race. 1926 1923 Tommy Milton became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 two times (his first in 1921). Except for one car, this was also the first time the entire field used single-seat cars during the “500.” 1927 02/21/2020 8th Running of the Indy 500 VIDEO Lorem ipsum dolor. AUDIO One of the great iconic images of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s earliest days depicts a man crouching over a model... 03/19/2020 Indy’s first pole sitter READ MORE ARTICLE Perhaps the best example of how the founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway saw their facility as something more... 02/21/2020 The Indianapolis Air Show READ MORE ARTICLE A full century ago, one of the most iconic names in American automotive history pulled into Victory Circle at the Indianapolis... 04/10/2020 a Century of Success for Chevrolet READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1920s ALMANAC Rickenbacker Installs New Golf Course THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON Former Indianapolis 500 driver and World War I “Flying Ace” Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and associates purchased the Speedway for $750,000. 1927 The original Pagoda was razed with fire after the 1925 Indianapolis 500 and replaced with a similar yet slightly larger version for the 1926 race. 1926 Tommy Milton became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 two times (his first in 1921). Except for one car, this was also the first time the entire field used single-seat cars during the “500.” 1923 Experience the first decade in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history 1910s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 A group gathers around Louis Meyer’s No. 14 Miller machine after the finish of the 1928 Indianapolis 500. Meyer led just 19 laps in his first of three Indianapolis 500 win, which was also his first official start in the “500.” 9/10 A view of the 1928 Indianapolis 500 from the pits, with the crowd watching the 500-mile spectacle behind them. The pits in the early days of the Indy 500 are notably different than today, with not even a wall separating the track from the pits. 8/10 Eddie Rickenbacker (second from left) poses for a photo on Indianapolis 500 race day in 1928, his first race day as the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 7/10 Major excitement on Lap 24 of the 1927 Indianapolis 500 when fuel leaking from a split tank on Norman Batten’s car ignited into flames. Instead of pulling into the fuel-laden pits, Batten stood up in the cockpit and drove the car safely past the pits to avoid further fires. 6/10 George Sounders and team pose with the No. 32 Duesenberg as the winners of the 1927, Indianapolis 500. This would be the last race under the ownership of the Carl Fisher/James Allison group, who would sell the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker in August of that year. 5/10 A soaking-wet Frank Lockhart in Victory Circle after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1926. Lockhart was two laps ahead of second place finisher Harry Hartz when rain ended the race after 400 miles. 4/10 Peter DePaolo, the 1925 winner of the Indianapolis 500, after the finish. With the win, DePaolo became the first driver to finish with an average speed of more than 100 mph. DePaolo averaged 101.13 mph and led 115 laps. Tommy Milton poses in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with is No. 1 H.C.S. Miller machine. With the win in 1923, Milton became the first two-time winner of the “500.” 3/10 Jimmy Murphy takes the checkered flag first and wins the Indianapolis 500 in 1922. Murphy became the first driver to win the race from the pole position, and he won with a then-record average speed of 94.484 mph. 2/10 1/10 Tommy Milton takes the checkered flag, which is being waved from high atop the frontstretch at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in 1921. Milton won driving a Frontenac, giving the Chevrolet brothers two straight Indianapolis 500 wins. 02/21/2020 8th Running of the Indy 500 VIDEO One of the great iconic images of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s earliest days depicts a man crouching over a model... 03/19/2020 Indy’s first pole sitter READ MORE ARTICLE Perhaps the best example of how the founding fathers of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway saw their facility as something more... 02/21/2020 The Indianapolis Air Show READ MORE ARTICLE A full century ago, one of the most iconic names in American automotive history pulled into Victory Circle at the Indianapolis... 04/10/2020 a Century of Success for Chevrolet READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1920s ALMANAC Rickenbacker Installs New Golf Course The indy 500 year-by-year Donalds Speaks on the 1909 year. IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD Former Indianapolis 500 driver and World War I “Flying Ace” Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and associates purchased the Speedway for $750,000. 1927 The original Pagoda was razed with fire after the 1925 Indianapolis 500 and replaced with a similar yet slightly larger version for the 1926 race. 1926 Tommy Milton became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 two times (his first in 1921). Except for one car, this was also the first time the entire field used single-seat cars during the “500.” 1923 RECENT POSTS 1910s Experience the first decade in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history 10/10 A group gathers around Louis Meyer’s No. 14 Miller machine after the finish of the 1928 Indianapolis 500. Meyer led just 19 laps in his first of three Indianapolis 500 win, which was also his first official start in the “500.” 9/10 A view of the 1928 Indianapolis 500 from the pits, with the crowd watching the 500-mile spectacle behind them. The pits in the early days of the Indy 500 are notably different than today, with not even a wall separating the track from the pits. 8/10 Eddie Rickenbacker (second from left) poses for a photo on Indianapolis 500 race day in 1928, his first race day as the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 7/10 Major excitement on Lap 24 of the 1927 Indianapolis 500 when fuel leaking from a split tank on Norman Batten’s car ignited into flames. Instead of pulling into the fuel-laden pits, Batten stood up in the cockpit and drove the car safely past the pits to avoid further fires. 6/10 George Sounders and team pose with the No. 32 Duesenberg as the winners of the 1927, Indianapolis 500. This would be the last race under the ownership of the Carl Fisher/James Allison group, who would sell the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker in August of that year. 5/10 A soaking-wet Frank Lockhart in Victory Circle after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1926. Lockhart was two laps ahead of second place finisher Harry Hartz when rain ended the race after 400 miles. Peter DePaolo, the 1925 winner of the Indianapolis 500, after the finish. With the win, DePaolo became the first driver to finish with an average speed of more than 100 mph. DePaolo averaged 101.13 mph and led 115 laps. Tommy Milton poses in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with is No. 1 H.C.S. Miller machine. With the win in 1923, Milton became the first two-time winner of the “500.” 3/10 Jimmy Murphy takes the checkered flag first and wins the Indianapolis 500 in 1922. Murphy became the first driver to win the race from the pole position, and he won with a then-record average speed of 94.484 mph. 2/10 1/10 Tommy Milton takes the checkered flag, which is being waved from high atop the frontstretch at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in 1921. Milton won driving a Frontenac, giving the Chevrolet brothers two straight Indianapolis 500 wins. 4/10 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1930s 1930s 1930s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 02/18/2009 Jimmy Dunham Centennial Era Moment VIDEO LOOK BOOK READ MORE 04/03/2020 When race fans think of dominant drivers of the Indianapolis 500, they likely think of A.J. Foyt in the 1960s... Shaw Writes History with Amazing Indy 500 Success ARTICLE On a blazing hot day, the Indianapolis 500 came down to which of two drivers could carry the most momentum off Turn 4... 04/01/2020 READ MORE A FINISH FOR THE AGES: 1937 INDIANAPOLIS 500 ARTICLE 1930s ALMANAC Dario Resta, driving a Peugeot, won the 1916 Indianapolis Classic, which, partially due to conservation efforts toward the war in Europe... ARTICLE 02/11/2020 Navigating World War I READ MORE READ MORE 1930: After more than a decade of domination by purpose-built racing cars, a considerably revised set of specifications was now in effect in an attempt to encourage the return of America’s automobile manufacturers... 03/31/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD The entire track, except for several hundred yards of the main straight-away, was by now resurfaced with asphalt. 1939 Louis Meyer became the first driver to win three Indianapolis 500-Mile Races. He requested a bottle of buttermilk in Victory Lane, creating the inspiration for the winner to drink milk, an annual tradition since 1956. 1936 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first track in the world to install safety warning lights. Also, helmet use became mandatory at IMS, a first for motor racing worldwide. 1935 Experience the decade that sparked Indy 500 traditions race fans love today. 1930s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 03/23/2020 1932 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 03/23/2020 1939 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/21/2020 1932 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO Lorem ipsum dolor. AUDIO In the early days of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, then known as the International 500-Mile Sweepstakes... 04/03/2020 Firestone Tires Went the Distance READ MORE ARTICLE On a blazing hot day, the Indianapolis 500 came down to which of two drivers could carry the most momentum off Turn 4 on Lap 200... 04/01/2020 A FINISH FOR THE AGES: 1937 INDIANAPOLIS 500 READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1930s ALMANAC THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON The entire track, except for several hundred yards of the main straightaway, was by now resurfaced with asphalt. 1939 Louis Meyer became the first driver to win three Indianapolis 500-Mile Races. He requested a bottle of buttermilk in Victory Lane, creating the inspiration for the winner to drink milk, an annual tradition since 1956. 1936 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first track in the world to install safety warning lights. Also, helmet use became mandatory at IMS, a first for motor racing worldwide. 1935 The “Roaring Twenties” brought increased speeds and many “firsts” to IMS. 1920s 10/10 The start of the 1939 Indianapolis 500 as the field of 33 drives off the bricks on the main straightaway and onto the fresh asphalt that was paved onto portions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time. 9/10 Indianapolis Motor Speedway legend Wilbur Shaw after winning his first Indianapolis 500 in 1937. Shaw had one of the most successful runs as a driver ever in the Indianapolis 500. In 1933 and 1935, Shaw finished second. Then, from 1937-1940, Shaw finished first, second, first and first, respectively. 8/10 1936 was a year of another “first.” The iconic Borg-Warner Trophy made its debut that year and was presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, Louis Meyer. The trophy has been presented to each winner, with their face engrained in the trophy, ever since. 7/10 6/10 Louis Meyer pulls into Victory Circle in 1936, then located near the end of the main straightaway, after becoming the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500-Mile race three times. Meyer completed the race in record time, with an average speed of 109.069 mph. 5/10 The 1935 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Rex Mays. That year, Mays became the youngest pole sitter at age 22, a record that still stands to this day. 4/10 The revolutionary diesel-powered vehicle entered by the Cummins Engine Company of nearby Columbus, Indiana, and driven by Dave Evans in 1931. The car weighed almost 3,400 pounds and was a combination of a diesel truck engine mounted in a special Duesenberg chassis. Evans completed the 500 miles about 37 minutes after winner Louis Schneider, and he did so without making a single pit stop. 1930 Indianapolis 500 winner Billy Arnold works on his winning No. 4 machine. The 24-year-old led a record 198 of 200 laps on his way to victory that year. Arnold would go on to lead another 212 laps between the following two 500-mile races in 1931 and 1932. From 1930-1932, Arnold led 97.4% of the 421 laps he completed. 3/10 The view of pit lane prior to the start of the 1930 Indianapolis 500, looking to the south end of the racetrack and Turns 1 and 2. 2/10 1/10 A crowd gathers around Victory Circle near the south end of the racetrack, just off the main straightaway by Turn 1. 02/25/2009 1932 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO In the early days of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, then known as the International 500-Mile Sweepstakes... 04/03/2020 Firestone Tires Went the Distance READ MORE ARTICLE On a blazing hot day, the Indianapolis 500 came down to which of two drivers could carry the most momentum off Turn 4 on Lap 200... 04/01/2020 A FINISH FOR THE AGES: 1937 INDIANAPOLIS 500 READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1930s ALMANAC The indy 500 year-by-year IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD The entire track, except for several hundred yards of the main straightaway, was by now resurfaced with asphalt. 1939 Louis Meyer became the first driver to win three Indianapolis 500-Mile Races. He requested a bottle of buttermilk in Victory Lane, creating the inspiration for the winner to drink milk, an annual tradition since 1956. 1936 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first track in the world to install safety warning lights. Also, helmet use became mandatory at IMS, a first for motor racing worldwide. 1935 1920s The “Roaring Twenties” brought increased speeds and many “firsts” to IMS. 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 The start of the 1939 Indianapolis 500 as the field of 33 drives off the bricks on the main straightaway and onto the fresh asphalt that was paved onto portions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time. 9/10 A view of the 1928 Indianapolis 500 from the pits, with the crowd watching the 500-mile spectacle behind them. The pits in the early days of the Indy 500 are notably different than today, with not even a wall separating the track from the pits. 8/10 1936 was a year of another “first.” The iconic Borg-Warner Trophy made its debut that year and was presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, Louis Meyer. The trophy has been presented to each winner, with their face engrained in the trophy, ever since. 7/10 6/10 Louis Meyer pulls into Victory Circle in 1936, then located near the end of the main straightaway, after becoming the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500-Mile race three times. Meyer completed the race in record time, with an average speed of 109.069 mph. 5/10 The 1935 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Rex Mays. That year, Mays became the youngest pole sitter at age 22, a record that still stands to this day. 4/10 The revolutionary diesel-powered vehicle entered by the Cummins Engine Company of nearby Columbus, Indiana, and driven by Dave Evans in 1931. The car weighed almost 3,400 pounds and was a combination of a diesel truck engine mounted in a special Duesenberg chassis. Evans completed the 500 miles about 37 minutes after winner Louis Schneider, and he did so without making a single pit stop. 1930 Indianapolis 500 winner Billy Arnold works on his winning No. 4 machine. The 24-year-old led a record 198 of 200 laps on his way to victory that year. Arnold would go on to lead another 212 laps between the following two 500-mile races in 1931 and 1932. From 1930-1932, Arnold led 97.4% of the 421 laps he completed. 3/10 The view of pit lane prior to the start of the 1930 Indianapolis 500, looking to the south end of the racetrack and Turns 1 and 2. 2/10 1/10 A crowd gathers around Victory Circle near the south end of the racetrack, just off the main straightaway by Turn 1. 02/18/2009 Jimmy Dunham Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/25/2009 1939 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/21/2020 Jimmy Dunham Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/21/2020 1939 Newsreel Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 10/10 The start of the 1939 Indianapolis 500 as the field of 33 drives off the bricks on the main straightaway and onto the fresh asphalt that was paved onto portions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time. 9/10 Indianapolis Motor Speedway legend Wilbur Shaw after winning his first Indianapolis 500 in 1937. Shaw had one of the most successful runs as a driver ever in the Indianapolis 500. In 1933 and 1935, Shaw finished second. Then, from 1937-1940, Shaw finished first, second, first and first, respectively. 8/10 1936 was a year of another “first.” The iconic Borg-Warner Trophy made its debut that year and was presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, Louis Meyer. The trophy has been presented to each winner, with their face engrained in the trophy, ever since. 7/10 6/10 Louis Meyer pulls into Victory Circle in 1936, then located near the end of the main straightaway, after becoming the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500-Mile race three times. Meyer completed the race in record time, with an average speed of 109.069 mph. 5/10 The 1935 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Rex Mays. That year, Mays became the youngest pole sitter at age 22, a record that still stands to this day. 4/10 The revolutionary diesel-powered vehicle entered by the Cummins Engine Company of nearby Columbus, Indiana, and driven by Dave Evans in 1931. The car weighed almost 3,400 pounds and was a combination of a diesel truck engine mounted in a special Duesenberg chassis. Evans completed the 500 miles about 37 minutes after winner Louis Schneider, and he did so without making a single pit stop. 1930 Indianapolis 500 winner Billy Arnold works on his winning No. 4 machine. The 24-year-old led a record 198 of 200 laps on his way to victory that year. Arnold would go on to lead another 212 laps between the following two 500-mile races in 1931 and 1932. From 1930-1932, Arnold led 97.4% of the 421 laps he completed. 3/10 The view of pit lane prior to the start of the 1930 Indianapolis 500, looking to the south end of the racetrack and Turns 1 and 2. 2/10 1/10 A crowd gathers around Victory Circle near the south end of the racetrack, just off the main straightaway by Turn 1. Floyd Roberts celebrates after winning the 1938 Indianapolis 500. Roberts completed the race at a record average speed pace that would stand for 10 years: 117.200 mph. Floyd Roberts celebrates after winning the 1938 Indianapolis 500. Roberts completed the race at a record average speed pace that would stand for 10 years: 117.200 mph. Floyd Roberts celebrates after winning the 1938 Indianapolis 500. Roberts completed the race at a record average speed pace that would stand for 10 years: 117.200 mph. IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1940s 1940s 1940s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE LOOK BOOK Generations ago, not every Indianapolis 500 driver was a full-time wheelman. Whereas today’s contestants... 04/02/2020 READ MORE MAURI ROSE SHINED AS MOONLIGHTER ARTICLE 1940s ALMANAC Wilbur Shaw could hardly believe his eyes.His beloved Indianapolis Motor Speedway had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair... ARTICLE 03/20/2020 Hulman, Shaw Teamed Up To Rescue IMS From Ruin READ MORE READ MORE 1940: In addition to joining Louis Meyer as a three-time winner, Wilbur Shaw became the first person to win the “500” in consecutive years... 03/29/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD 1940 Wilbur Shaw became the first driver to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500s. Only four other drivers have accomplished this feat: Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71) and Helio Castroneves (2001-02). Experience the decade that changed the course of history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 1940s 10/10 Mauri Rose poses with Lou Moore and the Borg-Warner Trophy after winning his third Indianapolis 500-Mile race in 1948. Rose joined Louis Meyer and Wilbur Shaw as three-time winners of the “500.” 9/10 George Robson interviews with the media after becoming the first driver to visit Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in five years. 8/10 It is in this photograph that racing returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the field, led by pole sitter Cliff Bergere in the No. 3, dives into Turn 1 on the first lap in 1946. 7/10 Ralph Hepburn in his brand new No. 2 “Novi.” The low-sitting, ear-splitting V8 supercharged machine electrified the crowds during qualifying with a record-shattering run. Hepburn broke the single lap record by almost four miles per hour, raising the bar to 134.449 mph. 6/10 A crowd of cars fill the infield on race morning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1946. After some concern that crowds would not return to the Speedway, a massive amount of fans showed up on race day and caused gigantic traffic jams. 5/10 A refreshed Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1946 after Tony Hulman purchased the track, with the urging of Wilbur Shaw, and properly renovated it to make it ready for the 1946 race. 4/10 A section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just inside Turn 1 that is overgrown with weeds. It is said that during a Firestone test with Wilbur Shaw in 1944, they first had to “weed” the groove in order to make it a drivable surface. Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw sit in a test car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945. It was Wilbur Shaw who, after seeing his beloved racetrack in dilapidated condition, sought a buyer for the track to bring the Indianapolis 500 back from hiatus. His journey led him to Terre Haute, Indiana, businessman Tony Hulman. 3/10 From left, Tony Hulman, Eddie Rickenbacker and Wilbur Shaw. Hulman, with the urging from Shaw, purchased the racetrack from Rickenbacker for an estimated $750,000 in 1945 after some believed the property could be turned into a housing development. 2/10 1/10 The main straightaway, which is cracked and overgrown with weeds, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 after sitting dormant during World War II. 1930s Experience the decade that sparked Indy 500 traditions race fans love today. George Robson won the first Indianapolis 500 under Tony Hulman’s ownership. Robson led 138 laps before a massive crowd that was eager to see racing return to the Speedway. MAY 30, 1946 Tony Hulman of Terre Haute, Indiana, purchased the dilapidated Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Eddie Rickenbacker for $750,000 after the race was stopped for four years during WWII. Hulman would help elevate the “500” and the Month of May to new heights. Wilbur Shaw was named president and general manager. NOV. 14, 1945 Wilbur Shaw became the first driver to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500s. Only four other drivers have accomplished this feat: Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71) and Helio Castroneves (2001-02). 1940 HULMAN, SHAW TEAMED UP TO RESCUE IMS FROM RUIN IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD “He did not spend a lot of time at the track,” IMS Historian Donald Davidson said.“It got in a lot of people’s heads, he seemed to be doing it so easily. He would beam when he would talk about it. He said, ‘I had a job, I liked my job. I wanted to get back to work!’” While this famous command sounds for all the world as if it would have been intoned from the very earliest days by Carl Fisher... ARTICLE 04/02/2020 ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ Traces Back to 1940s READ MORE READ MORE It is understood that the song “Back Home Again in Indiana” (the correct title of which is merely “Indiana”) may have been heard... 04/02/2020 'BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA' BECAME HOUSEHOLD TRADITION ARTICLE 05/08/2020 Wilbur Shaw 1940 Win VIDEO 02/18/2009 Tony Hulman Centennial Era VIDEO 02/26/2009 1947 Newsreel Centennial Era VIDEO George Robson won the first Indianapolis 500 under Tony Hulman’s ownership. Robson led 138 laps before a massive crowd that was eager to see racing return to the Speedway. MAY 30, 1946 Tony Hulman of Terre Haute, Indiana, purchased the dilapidated Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Eddie Rickenbacker for $750,000 after the race was stopped for four years during WWII. Hulman would help elevate the “500” and the Month of May to new heights. Wilbur Shaw was named president and general manager. NOV. 14, 1945 05/08/2020 Wilbur Shaw 1940 Win VIDEO 02/18/2009 Tony Hulman Centennial Era VIDEO 02/26/2009 1947 Newsreel Centennial Era VIDEO Lorem ipsum dolor. AUDIO Generations ago, not every Indianapolis 500 driver was a full-time wheelman. Whereas today’s contestants... 04/01/2020 MAURI ROSE SHINED AS MOONLIGHTER READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1940s ALMANAC Hulman, Shaw Teamed Up To Rescue IMS From Ruin DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON George Robson won the first Indianapolis 500 under Tony Hulman’s ownership. Robson led 138 laps before a massive crowd that was eager to see racing return to the Speedway. May 30, 1946 Tony Hulman of Terre Haute, Indiana, purchased the dilapidated Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Eddie Rickenbacker for $750,000 after the race was stopped for four years during WWII. Hulman would help elevate the “500” and the Month of May to new heights. Wilbur Shaw was named president and general manager. Nov. 14, 1945 Wilbur Shaw became the first driver to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500s. Only four other drivers have accomplished this feat: Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71) and Helio Castroneves (2001-02). 1940 Experience the decade that sparked Indy 500 traditions race fans love today. 1930s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 Mauri Rose poses with Lou Moore and the Borg-Warner Trophy after winning his third Indianapolis 500-Mile race in 1948. Rose joined Louis Meyer and Wilbur Shaw as three-time winners of the “500.” 9/10 George Robson interviews with the media after becoming the first driver to visit Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in five years. 8/10 It is in this photograph that racing returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the field, led by pole sitter Cliff Bergere in the No. 3, dives into Turn 1 on the first lap in 1946. 7/10 Ralph Hepburn in his brand new No. 2 “Novi.” The low-sitting, ear-splitting V8 supercharged machine electrified the crowds during qualifying with a record-shattering run. Hepburn broke the single lap record by almost four miles per hour, raising the bar to 134.449 mph. 6/10 A crowd of cars fill the infield on race morning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1946. After some concern that crowds would not return to the Speedway, a massive amount of fans showed up on race day and caused gigantic traffic jams. 5/10 A refreshed Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1946 after Tony Hulman purchased the track, with the urging of Wilbur Shaw, and properly renovated it to make it ready for the 1946 race. 4/10 A section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just inside Turn 1 that is overgrown with weeds. It is said that during a Firestone test with Wilbur Shaw in 1944, they first had to “weed” the groove in order to make it a drivable surface. Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw sit in a test car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945. It was Wilbur Shaw who, after seeing his beloved racetrack in dilapidated condition, sought a buyer for the track to bring the Indianapolis 500 back from hiatus. His journey led him to Terre Haute, Indiana, businessman Tony Hulman. 3/10 From left, Tony Hulman, Eddie Rickenbacker and Wilbur Shaw. Hulman, with the urging from Shaw, purchased the racetrack from Rickenbacker for an estimated $750,000 in 1945 after some believed the property could be turned into a housing development. 2/10 1/10 The main straightaway, which is cracked and overgrown with weeds, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 after sitting dormant during World War II. ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ Traces Back to 1940s 'BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA' BECAME HOUSEHOLD TRADITION THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 'BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA' BECAME HOUSEHOLD TRADITION The indy 500 year-by-year ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ Traces Back to 1940s 02/26/2009 1947 Newsreel Centennial Era VIDEO LOOK BOOK When race fans think of dominant drivers of the Indianapolis 500, they likely think of A.J. Foyt in the 1960s... 04/02/2020 Shaw Writes History with Amazing Indy 500 Success ARTICLE 1940s ALMANAC 02/18/2009 Tony Hulman Centennial Era VIDEO 05/08/2020 Wilbur Shaw 1940 Indy 500 Win VIDEO 1950s Check back next week to learn how modern day legends found their footing at IMS. 10/10 Mauri Rose poses with Lou Moore and the Borg-Warner Trophy after winning his third Indianapolis 500-Mile race in 1948. Rose joined Louis Meyer and Wilbur Shaw as three-time winners of the “500.” 9/10 George Robson interviews with the media after becoming the first driver to visit Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in five years. 8/10 It is in this photograph that racing returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the field, led by pole sitter Cliff Bergere in the No. 3, dives into Turn 1 on the first lap in 1946. 7/10 Ralph Hepburn in his brand new No. 2 “Novi.” The low-sitting, ear-splitting V8 supercharged machine electrified the crowds during qualifying with a record-shattering run. Hepburn broke the single lap record by almost four miles per hour, raising the bar to 134.449 mph. 6/10 A crowd of cars fill the infield on race morning of the Indianapolis 500 in 1946. After some concern that crowds would not return to the Speedway, a massive amount of fans showed up on race day and caused gigantic traffic jams. 5/10 A refreshed Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1946 after Tony Hulman purchased the track, with the urging of Wilbur Shaw, and properly renovated it to make it ready for the 1946 race. 4/10 A section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just inside Turn 1 that is overgrown with weeds. It is said that during a Firestone test with Wilbur Shaw in 1944, they first had to “weed” the groove in order to make it a drivable surface. Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw sit in a test car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945. It was Wilbur Shaw who, after seeing his beloved racetrack in dilapidated condition, sought a buyer for the track to bring the Indianapolis 500 back from hiatus. His journey led him to Terre Haute, Indiana, businessman Tony Hulman. 3/10 From left, Tony Hulman, Eddie Rickenbacker and Wilbur Shaw. Hulman, with the urging from Shaw, purchased the racetrack from Rickenbacker for an estimated $750,000 in 1945 after some believed the property could be turned into a housing development. 2/10 1/10 The main straightaway, which is cracked and overgrown with weeds, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 after sitting dormant during World War II. READ MORE 1950s 1940s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE A new Master Control Tower (replacing the 1926 Pagoda), Tower Terrace and Pit Area were completed before May—along with a new tunnel under the backstretch. 1957 The main offices of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were relocated from downtown Indianapolis to the main entrance to the grounds (outside Turn 1). This building also included the first Museum, which opened with six cars in the collection and free admission. 1956 Tony Hulman became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the tragic death of Wilbur Shaw in a plane crash on Oct. 30, 1954, near Decatur, Indiana. 1955 Experience the decade that introduced modern-day legends to race fans around the world. 1950s READ MORE A.J. Watson, four-time Indianapolis 500-winning chief mechanic, prolific car builder and one of the most beloved characters... 05/02/2020 A.J. Watson: Truly One Of A Kind The victory by Sam Hanks in the 1957 Indianapolis 500 was conceivably the single most popular in the entire history of the event... 05/02/2020 SAM HANKS' 1957 INDY 500 VICTORY PROVED MOST POPULAR READ MORE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD 05/23/2018 History of Roadster Era Moment VIDEO 02/19/2019 Troy Ruttman Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 04/18/2018 Memory Lane – Pat Flaherty wins 1956 VIDEO LOOK BOOK READ MORE 05/12/2020 "I still wake up in the middle of the night, thinking about what might've been," laments Jim Travers. Travers was the chief mechanic... Bill Vukovich – The Greatest Ever? ARTICLE The German Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union teams dominated international racing in the pre-World War II era. The “Silver Arrows”... 04/15/2020 READ MORE Streamliners Usher in New Era at Indy 500 ARTICLE 1950s ALMANAC 02/19/2009 Tom Carnegie Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 1960s 04/13/2018 Memory Lane – Pat Flaherty Wins 1956 VIDEO 05/23/2018 History of Roadster Era VIDEO LOOK BOOK Generations ago, not every Indianapolis 500 driver was a full-time wheelman. Whereas today’s contestants... 04/15/2020 MAURI ROSE SHINED AS MOONLIGHTER READ MORE ARTICLE 1950s ALMANAC ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ Has Unique Origins IMS RADIO NETWORK HAS BROUGHT INDY 500 ACTION FOR DECADES A.J. WATSON: TRULY ONE OF A KIND SAM HANKS' 1957 INDY 500 VICTORY PROVED MOST POPULAR IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD A new Master Control Tower (replacing the 1926 Pagoda), Tower Terrace and Pit Area were completed before May—along with a new tunnel under the backstretch. 1957 The main offices of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were relocated from downtown Indianapolis to the main entrance to the grounds (outside Turn 1). This building also included the first Museum, which opened with six cars in the collection and free admission. 1956 Tony Hulman became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the tragic death of Wilbur Shaw in a plane crash on Oct. 30, 1954, near Decatur, Indiana. 1955 1940s Experience the decade that changed the course of history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 A young A.J. Foyt on pit lane in May 1958. This year marked Foyt’s very first Indianapolis 500 start and was just the beginning of a legendary career that included 35 consecutive Indy 500 starts with a record four wins. 9/10 The start of the 1956 Indianapolis 500, which was the first race to be run on the freshly paved racetrack that left more than 600 yards of bricks still exposed on the main straightaway. 8/10 One of the last known photographs of Bill Vukovich in the No. 4 car, racing Jack McGrath in the No. 3, in 1955. Vukovich lost his life after being caught up in a wreck on Lap 57 while in the lead. 7/10 Winner Bill Vukovich, sitting next to Jack McGrath, shakes the hand of a young Miss Mari Hulman at the 1954 Indianapolis 500 Victory Banquet, where Vukovich’s second straight “500” victory was honored. 6/10 A pit stop is performed on the No. 14 roadster of Bill Vukovich in 1953. Vukovich would easily go on to win his first Indianapolis 500 that year by leading 195 of 200 laps. 5/10 Legendary public address announcer Tom Carnegie interviews Augie Duesenberg on race morning of the 1953 Indianapolis 500. 4/10 Troy Ruttman in Victory Circle after winning the 1952 Indianapolis 500 and becoming the youngest winner ever at 22 years, one month and 19 days. While he was 22 when he won, it was revealed that in the years leading up to his win, Ruttman had lied about his age so that he could compete at Indianapolis, which had an age limit of 21. Bill Vukovich in the first of the Kurtis-Kraft “roadsters” in 1952. The new style car that Vukovich drove would go on to revolutionize racing in the Indianapolis 500. 3/10 Freddie Agabashian with his No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special parked in front of the Pagoda in 1952. The car featured a Cummins-built 401-cubic inch diesel truck engine laid on its side and boosted by the track’s first-ever turbocharger. Agabashian won the pole but finished 27th. 2/10 1/10 Hollywood legend Clark Gable poses with Pat Flaherty and the No. 59 Granatelli-entered Kurtis/Offy team in their post-qualification photo in 1950. 02/19/2009 Troy Ruttman Centennial Era Moments VIDEO 02/19/2009 Tom Carnegie Centennial Era Moments VIDEO Generations ago, not every Indianapolis 500 driver was a full-time wheelman. Whereas today’s contestants... 05/12/2020 MAURI ROSE SHINED AS MOONLIGHTER READ MORE ARTICLE Radio broadcasts emanating from the Indianapolis 500 date all the way back to the early 1920s, when the handful... 04/30/2020 READ MORE IMS Radio Network Has Brought Indy 500 Action For Decades ARTICLE The term “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is derived from the standard station “out cue” which has been used... 05/01/2020 READ MORE THE PHRASE 'THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING' HAS UNIQUE ORIGINs ARTICLE Rain put a premature end to the 1950 race, the checkered flag being waved at 345 miles when a storm moved through... 05/01/2020 READ MORE The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE 1920s 05/23/2018 History of Roadster Era VIDEO 02/19/2009 Troy Ruttman Centennial Era Moments VIDEO 04/13/2018 Memory Lane – Pat Flaherty Wins 1956 VIDEO Lorem ipsum dolor. AUDIO The German Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union teams dominated international racing in the pre-World War II era... 04/15/2020 Streamliners Usher in New Era at Indy 500 READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1950s ALMANAC ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ Has Unique Origins IMS RADIO NETWORK HAS BROUGHT INDY 500 ACTION FOR DECADES A.J. WATSON: TRULY ONE OF A KIND SAM HANKS' 1957 INDY 500 VICTORY PROVED MOST POPULAR DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON A new Master Control Tower (replacing the 1926 Pagoda), Tower Terrace and Pit Area were completed before May—along with a new tunnel under the backstretch. 1957 The main offices of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were relocated from downtown Indianapolis to the main entrance to the grounds (outside Turn 1). This building also included the first Museum, which opened with six cars in the collection and free admission. 1956 Tony Hulman became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the tragic death of Wilbur Shaw in a plane crash on Oct. 30, 1954, near Decatur, Indiana. 1955 Experience the decade that changed the course of history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 1940s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 A young A.J. Foyt on pit lane in May 1958. This year marked Foyt’s very first Indianapolis 500 start and was just the beginning of a legendary career that included 35 consecutive Indy 500 starts with a record four wins. 9/10 The start of the 1956 Indianapolis 500, which was the first race to be run on the freshly paved racetrack that left more than 600 yards of bricks still exposed on the main straightaway. 8/10 One of the last known photographs of Bill Vukovich in the No. 4 car, racing Jack McGrath in the No. 3, in 1955. Vukovich lost his life after being caught up in a wreck on Lap 57 while in the lead. 7/10 Winner Bill Vukovich, sitting next to Jack McGrath, shakes the hand of a young Miss Mari Hulman at the 1954 Indianapolis 500 Victory Banquet, where Vukovich’s second straight “500” victory was honored. 6/10 A pit stop is performed on the No. 14 roadster of Bill Vukovich in 1953. Vukovich would easily go on to win his first Indianapolis 500 that year by leading 195 of 200 laps. 5/10 Legendary public address announcer Tom Carnegie interviews Augie Duesenberg on race morning of the 1953 Indianapolis 500. 4/10 Troy Ruttman in Victory Circle after winning the 1952 Indianapolis 500 and becoming the youngest winner ever at 22 years, one month and 19 days. While he was 22 when he won, it was revealed that in the years leading up to his win, Ruttman had lied about his age so that he could compete at Indianapolis, which had an age limit of 21. Bill Vukovich in the first of the Kurtis-Kraft “roadsters” in 1952. The new style car that Vukovich drove would go on to revolutionize racing in the Indianapolis 500. 3/10 Freddie Agabashian with his No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special parked in front of the Pagoda in 1952. The car featured a Cummins-built 401-cubic inch diesel truck engine laid on its side and boosted by the track’s first-ever turbocharger. Agabashian won the pole but finished 27th. 2/10 1/10 Hollywood legend Clark Gable poses with Pat Flaherty and the No. 59 Granatelli-entered Kurtis/Offy team in their post-qualification photo in 1950. ARTICLE ARTICLE "I still wake up in the middle of the night, thinking about what might've been," laments Jim Travers. Travers was the chief mechanic... 05/12/2020 Bill Vukovich – The Greatest Ever? READ MORE ARTICLE 10/10 A young A.J. Foyt on pit lane in May 1958. This year marked Foyt’s very first Indianapolis 500 start and was just the beginning of a legendary career that included 35 consecutive Indy 500 starts with a record four wins. 9/10 The start of the 1956 Indianapolis 500, which was the first race to be run on the freshly paved racetrack that left more than 600 yards of bricks still exposed on the main straightaway. 8/10 One of the last known photographs of Bill Vukovich in the No. 4 car, racing Jack McGrath in the No. 3, in 1955. Vukovich lost his life after being caught up in a wreck on Lap 57 while in the lead. 7/10 Winner Bill Vukovich, sitting next to Jack McGrath, shakes the hand of a young Miss Mari Hulman at the 1954 Indianapolis 500 Victory Banquet, where Vukovich’s second straight “500” victory was honored. 6/10 A pit stop is performed on the No. 14 roadster of Bill Vukovich in 1953. Vukovich would easily go on to win his first Indianapolis 500 that year by leading 195 of 200 laps. 5/10 Legendary public address announcer Tom Carnegie interviews Augie Duesenberg on race morning of the 1953 Indianapolis 500. 4/10 Troy Ruttman in Victory Circle after winning the 1952 Indianapolis 500 and becoming the youngest winner ever at 22 years, one month and 19 days. While he was 22 when he won, it was revealed that in the years leading up to his win, Ruttman had lied about his age so that he could compete at Indianapolis, which had an age limit of 21. Bill Vukovich in the first of the Kurtis-Kraft “roadsters” in 1952. The new style car that Vukovich drove would go on to revolutionize racing in the Indianapolis 500. 3/10 Freddie Agabashian with his No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special parked in front of the Pagoda in 1952. The car featured a Cummins-built 401-cubic inch diesel truck engine laid on its side and boosted by the track’s first-ever turbocharger. Agabashian won the pole but finished 27th. 2/10 1/10 Hollywood legend Clark Gable poses with Pat Flaherty and the No. 59 Granatelli-entered Kurtis/Offy team in their post-qualification photo in 1950. 05/23/2018 Tom Carnegie Centennial Era Moment VIDEO THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR The indy 500 year-by-year 1960s 1960s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 Experience the decade that brought star power to IMS and revolutionized racing in the Indy 500. 1960s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE Scottish racing icon Jim Clark became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in a rear-engine car. It was also the first time the race was completed with an average speed of over 150 MPH. 1965 The remaining bricks on the front straightaway were covered with asphalt. A 36-inch strip of the original bricks (“Yard of Bricks”) was kept intact at the start/finish line, where it remains today. OCT. 1961 1961 A.J. Foyt earned the first of his four Indianapolis 500 victories after he took the lead from Eddie Sachs on Lap 197. Three-time runner-up Jim Rathmann was finally rewarded with a victory in perhaps the greatest “500” ever held... 05/16/2020 READ MORE The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE Of the numerous Hollywood “epics” of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s in which the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has... 05/14/2020 READ MORE HOLLYWOOD AND THE INDIANAPOLIS 500 ARTICLE Long used in international Grand Prix racing, the winner’s wreath at Indianapolis appears to have debuted in 1960... 05/19/2020 READ MORE Winner’s Wreath Tradition Begins in 1960 ARTICLE READ MORE Taking the checkered flag in absolutely appalling conditions at 3 in the afternoon on the afternoon of Nov. 22, 1961, a Police Enforcer version... 05/13/2020 24 hour stock car test in 1961 ARTICLE George Bignotti, the most successful chief mechanic in the history of what is now known as Indy car racing, died at his home in Las Vegas... 05/17/2020 GEORGE BIGNOTTI: ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHIEF MECHANICS EVER READ MORE ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD READ MORE 05/19/2020 They’re the things that separate the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from every other race or track... History of the Gordon Pipers' 1963 Debut ARTICLE "You think that was something?" Jim Hurtubise said with an ear-to-ear grin after his record-setting run on the fourth day of qualifying... 05/12/2020 READ MORE A STAR IS BORN: ‘WAIT ‘TILL PARNELLI GETS HERE’ ARTICLE The May morning was glorious and the atmosphere festive, with the spring sunshine making one wish the day could last forever... 05/05/2020 READ MORE THE START OF SOMETHING, AND SOMEONE, NEW ARTICLE 1960s ALMANAC 1920s 02/18/2009 Andretti on 1969 Centennial Era Moments VIDEO 02/28/2020 Clark’s Rear-Engine Victory in 1965 VIDEO 04/01/2011 Centennial Moment - Andy Granatelli VIDEO 05/15/2010 Jim Rathmann, 1960 Indianapolis 500 Winner VIDEO IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 Experience the decade that introduced modern-day legends to race fans around the world. 1950s 1950s Experience the decade that introduced modern-day legends to race fans around the world. IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR Hollywood Connections to the Indy 500 Winner’s Wreath Tradition Begins in 1960 24 hour stock car test in 1961 GEORGE BIGNOTTI: ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHIEF MECHANICS EVER DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON Scottish racing icon Jim Clark became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in a rear-engine car. It was also the first time the race was completed with an average speed of over 150 MPH. 1965 The remaining bricks on the front straightaway were covered with asphalt. A 36-inch strip of the original bricks (“Yard of Bricks”) was kept intact at the start/finish line, where it remains today. October 1961 A.J. Foyt earned the first of his four Indianapolis 500 victories after he took the lead from Eddie Sachs on Lap 197. 1961 LOOK BOOK 1960s ALMANAC "You think that was something?" Jim Hurtubise said with an ear-to-ear grin after his record-setting run on the fourth day of qualifying... 05/12/2020 A STAR IS BORN: ‘WAIT ‘TILL PARNELLI GETS HERE’ READ MORE ARTICLE The May morning was glorious and the atmosphere festive, with the spring sunshine making one wish the day could last forever... 05/05/2020 The Start of Something, And Someone, New READ MORE ARTICLE They’re the things that separate the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from... 05/19/2020 History of the Gordon Pipers, 1963 Debut READ MORE ARTICLE 02/18/2009 Centennial Moment - Andretti, 1969 VIDEO 02/28/2020 Clark’s Rear-Engine Victory in 1965 Was Evolution of Revolution at Indy VIDEO 04/01/2011 Centennial Moment - Andy Granatelli VIDEO 05/15/2020 Jim Rathmann, 1960 Indy 500 Winner VIDEO 1920s Scottish racing icon Jim Clark became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in a rear-engine car. It was also the first time the race was completed with an average speed of over 150 MPH. 1965 The remaining bricks on the front straightaway were covered with asphalt. A 36-inch strip of the original bricks (“Yard of Bricks”) was kept intact at the start/finish line, where it remains today. October 1961 A.J. Foyt earned the first of his four Indianapolis 500 victories after he took the lead from Eddie Sachs on Lap 197. 1961 Hollywood Connections to the Indy 500 The indy 500 year-by-year Winner’s Wreath Tradition Begins in 1960 24 hour stock car test in 1961 GEORGE BIGNOTTI: ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHIEF MECHANICS EVER IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD The famed Wood Brothers Racing team had a historic connection to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 29 years before NASCAR competed at the fabled... 04/29/2020 READ MORE NASCAR’s Wood Brothers pit Clark in 1965 ARTICLE 05/15/2020 Jim Rathmann, 1960 Indy 500 Winner VIDEO 04/01/2011 Centennial Moment - Andy Granatelli VIDEO 02/28/2020 Clark’s Rear-Engine Victory in 1965 Was Evolution of Revolution at Indy VIDEO 02/18/2009 Centennial Moment - Andretti, 1969 VIDEO 1960s ALMANAC LOOK BOOK 1970s LOOK BOOK 10/10 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti receives the famous “Granatelli Kiss” in Victory Circle from car owner Andy Granatelli after delivering him his first “500” win. 9/10 Andy Granatelli (left) and TV star Johnny Carson (middle) look over the famed No. 40 Granatelli-conceived, Parnelli Jones-driven, aircraft-type construction and four-wheel drive vehicle powered by a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engine. 8/10 7/10 Progress is made on the construction of the famed Speedway Motel, which was built outside Turn 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1962. 6/10 Rodger Ward crosses the now iconic “Yard of Bricks” start/finish line to win the 1962 Indianapolis 500. This was the first year of the finish line race fans know of today, as the final few hundred yards of bricks on the frontstraightaway had been paved over in October 1961. 5/10 Parnelli Jones and the No. 98 crew celebrate the long-awaited breaking of the 150 mph “barrier.” An excited JC Agajainian is holding the sign signifying the milestone. 4/10 Eddie Sachs on pit road during the 1961 Indianapolis 500, in which he lost a riveting battle for the win to A.J. Foyt, who captured his first of four “500” wins. Defending two-time World Champion Jack Brabham sits in his No. 17 car, a slightly modified British-built F1 Cooper–Climax. The car was the first rear-engined car ever to have finished the “500” and was the start of a rear-engined revolution at IMS. Brabham finished ninth. 3/10 The 500 Festival parade weaving through Downtown Indianapolis and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1961. 2/10 1/10 IMS Radio Network Chief Announcer and IMS icon Sid Collins calls action during the Month of May in 1960. The popular Scottish driver Jim Clark celebrates in Victory Circle after his 1965 Indianapolis 500 win. Clark led for 190 of the 200 laps with a factory-entered Lotus, powered by a double-overhead-camshaft V8 Ford engine. 10/10 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti receives the famous “Granatelli Kiss” in Victory Circle from car owner Andy Granatelli after delivering him his first “500” win. 9/10 Andy Granatelli (left) and TV star Johnny Carson (middle) look over the famed No. 40 Granatelli-conceived, Parnelli Jones-driven, aircraft-type construction and four-wheel drive vehicle powered by a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engine. 8/10 The popular Scottish driver Jim Clark celebrates in Victory Circle after his 1965 Indianapolis 500 win. Clark led for 190 of the 200 laps with a factory-entered Lotus, powered by a double-overhead-camshaft V8 Ford engine. 7/10 Progress is made on the construction ofhe famed Speedway Motel, which was built outside Turn 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1962. 6/10 Rodger Ward crosses the now iconic “Yard of Bricks” start/finish line to win the 1962 Indianapolis 500. This was the first year of the finish line race fans know of today, as the final few hundred yards of bricks on the frontstraightaway had been paved over in October 1961. 5/10 Parnelli Jones and the No. 98 crew celebrate the long-awaited breaking of the 150 mph “barrier.” An excited JC Agajainian is holding the sign signifying the milestone. 4/10 Eddie Sachs on pit road during the 1961 Indianapolis 500, in which he lost a riveting battle for the win to A.J. Foyt, who captured his first of four “500” wins. Defending two-time World Champion Jack Brabham sits in his No. 17 car, a slightly modified British-built F1 Cooper–Climax. The car was the first rear-engined car ever to have finished the “500” and was the start of a rear-engined revolution at IMS. Brabham finished ninth. 3/10 The 500 Festival parade weaving through Downtown Indianapolis and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1961. 2/10 1/10 IMS Radio Network Chief Announcer and IMS icon Sid Collins calls action during the Month of May in 1960. 10/10 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti receives the famous “Granatelli Kiss” in Victory Circle from car owner Andy Granatelli after delivering him his first “500” win. 9/10 Andy Granatelli (left) and TV star Johnny Carson (middle) look over the famed No. 40 Granatelli-conceived, Parnelli Jones-driven, aircraft-type construction and four-wheel drive vehicle powered by a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engine. 8/10 The popular Scottish driver Jim Clark celebrates in Victory Circle after his 1965 Indianapolis 500 win. Clark led for 190 of the 200 laps with a factory-entered Lotus, powered by a double-overhead-camshaft V8 Ford engine. 7/10 Progress is made on the construction of the famed Speedway Motel, which was built outside urn 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1962. 6/10 Rodger Ward crosses the now iconic “Yard of Bricks” start/finish line to win the 1962 Indianapolis 500. This was the first year of the finish line race fans know of today, as the final few hundred yards of bricks on the frontstraightaway had been paved over in October 1961. 5/10 Parnelli Jones and the No. 98 crew celebrate the long-awaited breaking of the 150 mph “barrier.” An excited JC Agajainian is holding the sign signifying the milestone. 4/10 Eddie Sachs on pit road during the 1961 Indianapolis 500, in which he lost a riveting battle for the win to A.J. Foyt, who captured his first of four “500” wins. Defending two-time World Champion Jack Brabham sits in his No. 17 car, a slightly modified British-built F1 Cooper–Climax. The car was the first rear-engined car ever to have finished the “500” and was the start of a rear-engined revolution at IMS. Brabham finished ninth. 3/10 The 500 Festival parade weaving through Downtown Indianapolis and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1961. 2/10 1/10 IMS Radio Network Chief Announcer and IMS icon Sid Collins calls action during the Month of May in 1960. George Bignotti became nearly as well known as some of the top drivers, showing the mechanical wizardry that helped him win the “500”... 1970s 1970s 1970s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 1960s Experience the decade that brought star power to IMS and revolutionized racing in the Indy 500. A.J. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times (1961, 1964 and 1967) May 29, 1977 On the final day of qualifying, Janet Guthrie became the first female to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. May 22, 1977 Pole-sitter Tom Sneva turned the first official 200-mph laps at the Speedway. May 14, 1977 The indy 500 year-by-year IMS 'YELLOW SHIRTS' ORIGINS DATE BACK TO 1975 NASCAR'S ALLISON BROTHERS EXCELLED IN INDY 500 STARTS GARY BETTENHAUSEN: THE 'TOUGH AS NAILS' SHOrT TRACK IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD 03/17/2009 Janet Guthrie at Centennial Gala VIDEO 02/24/2011 Centennial Moment - Foyt's Fourth Win VIDEO 04/08/2011 Centennial Moment - Dan Gurney VIDEO 05/16/2010 1970 Indy 500 Winner - Al Unser VIDEO They’re the things that separate the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from... 05/19/2020 History of the Gordon Pipers' 1963 Debut READ MORE ARTICLE In the 111-year history of the Indianapolis 500, it’s hard to find a more important and more glorious event for three major reasons... 05/05/2020 The Start of Something, And Someone, New READ MORE ARTICLE The pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge today are meticulously scripted.... 05/12/2020 A STAR IS BORN: ‘WAIT ‘TILL PARNELLI GETS HERE’ READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1970s ALMANAC 1980s Check back next week to learn about a decade defined by close finishes and thrilling on-track action. Experience the decade that brought star power to IMS and revolutionized racing in the Indy 500. 1960s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 A.J. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times (1961, 1964 and 1967). May 29, 1977 On the final day of qualifying, Janet Guthrie became the first female to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. May 22, 1977 Pole-sitter Tom Sneva turned the first official 200-mph laps at the Speedway. May 14, 1977 THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR IMS 'YELLOW SHIRTS' ORIGINS DATE BACK TO THE EARLY 1970S NASCAR'S ALLISON BROTHERS EXCELLED IN INDY 500 STARTS GARY BETTENHAUSEN: THE 'TOUGH AS NAILS' SHOrT TRACK DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON 03/17/2009 Janet Guthrie at Centennial Gala VIDEO 02/28/2020 Centennial Moment - Foyt's 4th Win VIDEO 04/08/2011 Centennial Moment - Dan Gurney VIDEO 05/16/2020 1970 Indy 500 Winner - Al Unser VIDEO LOOK BOOK 1970s ALMANAC IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE Experience the decade that broke records, and barriers, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 1970s A.J. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times (1961, 1964 and 1967). On the final day of qualifying, Janet Guthrie became the first female to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Pole-sitter Tom Sneva turned the first official 200-mph laps at the Speedway. MAY 14, 1977 MAY 22, 1977 1977 MAY 29, From the time the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 until immediately after World War II, all events at the track were policed by the Indiana National Guard... ARTICLE 05/14/2020 IMS 'Yellow Shirt' Origins Date Back To The Early 1970s READ MORE READ MORE There was a glorious period for both fans and participants during the 1960s and '70s when it seemed as if the leading drivers of the world... 05/11/2020 NASCAR'S Allison Brothers Excelled In Indy 500 Starts ARTICLE Gary Bettenhausen, a veteran of 21 Indianapolis 500 races and one of the United States Auto Club’s greatest ever short-track performers... 05/14/2020 GARY BETTENHAUSEN: THE 'TOUGH AS NAILS' SHOrT TRACK READ MORE ARTICLE READ MORE 1970: A major milestone was reached when the total purse topped $1 million for the first time, the actual amount being $1,000,002. Running under the threat of rain throughout... 05/15/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD READ MORE 05/16/2020 In the 111-year history of the Indianapolis 500, it’s hard to find a more important and more glorious event for three major reasons... FOYT CAREER HIGHLIGHT: 1977 INDY 500 WIN ARTICLE The pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge today are meticulously scripted... 04/28/2020 READ MORE NABORS SANG HIS WAY INTO HOOSIER HEARTS ARTICLE 1970s ALMANAC In the spring of 1977, expectations ran high that the first 200-mph lap would be achieved at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway... 04/22/2020 READ MORE SNEVA BECaME FIRST TO BREAK 200 MPH AT INDY ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1920s 03/17/2009 Janet Guthrie at Centennial Gala VIDEO 02/24/2011 Centennial Moment - Number Four for Foyt VIDEO 04/08/2011 Centennial Moment - Dan Gurney VIDEO 05/16/2010 1970 Indy 500 Winner - Al Unser VIDEO 1980s 10/10 Rick Mears takes his first swig of milk after winning the 1979 Indianapolis 500 for Roger Penske in just his second Indy 500 start. Starting from the pole, it was Mears’ first of a record four “500” wins and his first of a record six pole positions. 9/10 A.J. Foyt crosses the Yard of Bricks in 1977 and becomes the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 for a fourth time. 8/10 Janet Guthrie is all smiles on pit lane after becoming the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. She failed to finish but would place ninth the following year. 7/10 Johnny Rutherford enthusiastically celebrates his second Indianapolis 500 win in 1976, which was halted just past halfway due to rain. This was the second year in a row rain ended the “500” early. 6/10 Future President of the United States Ronald Reagan stands with IMS owner Tony Hulman as he visits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a tire test in the Spring of 1976 while campaigning in Indianapolis for President of the United States. 5/10 Bobby Unser celebrates in Victory Circle after winning his second Indianapolis 500. Unser, the older brother of Al Unser, would go on to win a third “500” and become one of just two drivers to win Indy 500 races in three different decades. 4/10 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The National Register recognizes more than 90,000 properties for their significance in American history, architecture, art, archeology, engineering, and culture. Mark Donohue, with Roger Penske to his right, and the crew after qualifying in 1972. That year, Donohue gave team owner Penske his first of a record 18 Indianapolis 500-Mile race wins. 3/10 Al Unser is interviewed by the legendary Chris Economaki in the new Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - now located by the master control tower - in 1971 after winning back-to-back Indy 500’s. This is the approximate location of the Victory Circle that race fans know today. 2/10 1/10 Al Unser celebrates his first Indianapolis 500 victory, which he won driving the iconic Johnny Lightning Special. This is the final year that Victory Circle was located near Turn 1 on the south end of the main straightaway. 10/10 Rick Mears takes his first swig of milk after winning the 1979 Indianapolis 500 for Roger Penske in just his second Indy 500 start. Starting from the pole, it was Mears’ first of a record four “500” wins and his first of a record six pole positions. 9/10 A.J. Foyt crosses the Yard of Bricks in 1977 and becomes the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 for a fourth time. 8/10 Janet Guthrie is all smiles on pit lane after becoming the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. She failed to finish but would place ninth the following year. 7/10 Johnny Rutherford enthusiastically celebrates his second Indianapolis 500 win in 1976, which was halted just past halfway due to rain. This was the second year in a row rain ended the “500” early. 6/10 Future President of the United States Ronald Reagan stands with IMS owner Tony Hulman as he visits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a tire test in the Spring of 1976 while campaigning in Indianapolis for President of the United States. 5/10 Bobby Unser celebrates in Victory Circle after winning his second Indianapolis 500. Unser, the older brother of Al Unser, would go on to win a third “500” and become one of just two drivers to win Indy 500 races in three different decades. 4/10 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The National Register recognizes more than 90,000 properties for their significance in American history, architecture, art, archeology, engineering, and culture. Mark Donohue, with Roger Penske to his right, and the crew after qualifying in 1972. That year, Donohue gave team owner Penske his first of a record 18 Indianapolis 500-Mile race wins. 3/10 Al Unser is interviewed by the legendary Chris Economaki in the new Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - now located by the master control tower - in 1971 after winning back-to-back Indy 500’s. This is the approximate location of the Victory Circle that race fans know today. 2/10 1/10 Al Unser celebrates his first Indianapolis 500 victory, which he won driving the iconic Johnny Lightning Special. This is the final year that Victory Circle was located near Turn 1 on the south end of the main straightaway. 10/10 Rick Mears takes his first swig of milk after winning the 1979 Indianapolis 500 for Roger Penske in just his second Indy 500 start. Starting from the pole, it was Mears’ first of a record four “500” wins and his first of a record six pole positions. 9/10 A.J. Foyt crosses the Yard of Bricks in 1977 and becomes the first driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 for a fourth time. 8/10 Janet Guthrie is all smiles on pit lane after becoming the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. She failed to finish but would place ninth the following year. 7/10 Johnny Rutherford enthusiastically celebrates his second Indianapolis 500 win in 1976, which was halted just past halfway due to rain. This was the second year in a row rain ended the “500” early. 6/10 Future President of the United States Ronald Reagan stands with IMS owner Tony Hulman as he visits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a tire test in the Spring of 1976 while campaigning in Indianapolis for President of the United States. 5/10 Bobby Unser celebrates in Victory Circle after winning his second Indianapolis 500. Unser, the older brother of Al Unser, would go on to win a third “500” and become one of just two drivers to win Indy 500 races in three different decades. 4/10 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The National Register recognizes more than 90,000 properties for their significance in American history, architecture, art, archeology, engineering, and culture. Mark Donohue, with Roger Penske to his right, and the crew after qualifying in 1972. That year, Donohue gave team owner Penske his first of a record 18 Indianapolis 500-Mile race wins. 3/10 Al Unser is interviewed by the legendary Chris Economaki in the new Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - now located by the master control tower - in 1971 after winning back-to-back Indy 500’s. This is the approximate location of the Victory Circle that race fans know today. 2/10 1/10 Al Unser celebrates his first Indianapolis 500 victory, which he won driving the iconic Johnny Lightning Special. This is the final year that Victory Circle was located near Turn 1 on the south end of the main straightaway. “I have reflected on how Mr. Andrews could never have imagined the impact his drawings would have on the American automobile and motorsports. I have placed my hands on the very spot where a laborer laid some of the most historic brick on record. They had a job to get done - never realizing they were setting 3.2 million pieces of history.” –Kevin Forbes 1980s

1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2010s 2010s 2020 2020 EXPERIENCE THE DECADE THAT DELIVERED EVEN CLOSER RACING AND MORE EXCITING FINISHES TO THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY. 1980s The winner’s share of the Indianapolis 500 exceeded $1 million for the first time, the beneficiary being Emerson Fittipaldi. 1989 Al Unser became the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, his previous wins coming in 1970, 1971 and 1978. 1987 Bobby Rahal became the first driver to complete the Indianapolis 500 in less than three hours. The race was broadcast live on ABC for the first time. 1986 Experience the decade that broke records, and barriers, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 1970s IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1970s 1980s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 The winner’s share of the Indianapolis 500 exceeded $1 million for the first time, the beneficiary being Emerson Fittipaldi. 1989 Al Unser became the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, his previous wins coming in 1970, 1971 and 1978. 1987 1986 Bobby Rahal became the first driver to complete the Indianapolis 500 in less than three hours. The race was broadcast live on ABC for the first time. THE INDY 500 YEAR-BY-YEAR AL UNSER: A MODEST INDY 500 RECORD HOLDER DIGITAL DONALD IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON 03/17/2009 Centennial Moment - The Unser Family VIDEO 03/11/2011 Centennial Moment - Bobby Rahal VIDEO 02/18/2009 Centennial Moment - Al Unser VIDEO 02/18/2009 Centennia Moments - Gordon Johncock VIDEO READ MORE 05/27/2020 In the 111-year history of the Indianapolis 500, it’s hard to find a more important and more glorious event for three major reasons... SNEVA SCORED ELUSIVE '500' VICTORY IN 1983 ARTICLE The pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge today are meticulously scripted... 05/27/2020 READ MORE HURLEY HAYWOOD TOOK ON INDIANAPOLIS IN 1980 ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1980s ALMANAC 03/17/2009 Centennial Moment - Emerson Fittipaldi VIDEO Simply put, Al Unser is in possession of just about the finest Indianapolis 500 record by any driver ever. ARTICLE 05/27/2020 AL UNSER: A MODEST INDY 500 RECORD HOLDER READ MORE READ MORE 1980: Rarely has a driver gone into a “500” so clearly favored to win as was Johnny Rutherford in 1980. 03/27/2020 The Indy 500 Year-by-Year ARTICLE IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD Every driver who wins the Indianapolis 500 earns a spot in the rich lore of motorsports and a piece of immortality... 03/13/2020 READ MORE Rutherford, 'Yellow Submarine' Were Match Made in Heaven ARTICLE READ MORE 05/01/2020 “Yellow,” the No. 5 Miller American crew radioed to its driver Danny Sullivan on the 120th lap of the 1985 Indianapolis 500... SULLIVAN’S MIRACULOUS ‘SPIN AND WIN’ ARTICLE One of the greatest names in the history of American sports car racing crossed paths with the Indianapolis 500 in the early days of his racing career... 05/27/2020 READ MORE HURLEY HAYWOOD TOOK ON INDIANAPOLIS IN 1980 ARTICLE “I’m very glad I did it. From a driver’s standpoint to run in the Indianapolis 500 is a big thing. To be able to experience that and have the knowledge of whether it was something I wanted to do more of or if I wasn’t going to be successful at it was a valuable lesson for me.” Forty years ago, Tom Sneva was the most famous bridesmaid in Indianapolis 500 history. Sneva, a former schoolteacher from Spokane... 05/27/2020 READ MORE SNEVA SCORED ELUSIVE '500' VICTORY IN 1983 ARTICLE 1980s ALMANAC READ MORE 05/13/2020 In the 111-year history of the Indianapolis 500, it’s hard to find a more important and more glorious event for three major reasons... Rutherford, ‘Yellow Submarine’ WERE Perfect Match ARTICLE The pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge today are meticulously scripted... 05/28/2020 READ MORE SULLIVAN’S MIRACULOUS ‘SPIN AND WIN’ ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1920s 02/18/2009 Fittipaldi on 1989 Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/19/2009 The Unser Family at Indy Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 03/11/2011 1986 Bobby Rahal Centennial Moment VIDEO 02/18/2009 Al Unser Centennial Era Moment VIDEO 02/18/2009 Johncock on 1982 Centennial Era Moment VIDEO IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 10/10 Rick Mears and team owner Roger Penske celebrate Mears’ third Indianapolis 500 win in 1988. The win put Mears in elite company with Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Johnny Rutherford and Bobby Unser as three-time Indy 500 winners. 9/10 The Opening Ceremonies for the Tenth Pan American Games took place on the Speedway’s main straightaway in 1987. The ceremonies used an elaborate stage incorporating the Master Control Tower and pit lane. Vice President George H.W. Bush attended to formally open the games. 8/10 Bobby Rahal celebrates his emotional Indianapolis 500 victory in 1986 with his car owner, Jim Trueman, who is wearing a white hat. Trueman was extremely ill and would succumb to cancer only 11 days later. 7/10 In the Spring of 1986, a new garage area complex was built, which includes 96 indialrages for race teams and new accessory rooms accommodating up to 25 participating companies. These are the same garages race fans know today. 6/10 Rick Mears poses with his crew on the Yard of Bricks after qualifying on the front row for the 1984 Indianapolis 500 with the third starting position. Mears went on to win his second “500” that year. 5/10 Al Unser Jr. made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1983. “Little Al,” the son of Al Unser Sr. and nephew of Bobby Unser, started fifth and finished 10th driving the No. 19. 4/10 Mary Fendrich Hulman gives the command to start engines in 1983. Fendrich Hulman, the wife of the late Tony Hulman, was named Chairperson of the Board after Hulman’s death in 1977 and held it until 1988 when their daughter, Mari Hulman George, was named Chairperson of the Board. Gordon Johncock edges out Rick Mears to win the 1982 Indianapolis 500 in what was then the closest Indy 500 finish in the race’s 66 year history: 0.16 seconds. 3/10 After more than 30 years without a three-time winner, Bobby Unser repeated Johnny Rutherford’s feat by winning his third Indianapolis 500 in 1981. After the race, officials declared Mario Andretti the winner due to Unser’s aggressive pit exit. After months of review, Unser was officially declared the winner on Oct. 8. 2/10 1/10 Johnny Rutherford celebrates in Victory Circle after winning his third Indianapolis 500-Mile race in 1980. “Lone Star JR” became the race’s first three-time winner since Mauri Rose grabbed his third win in 1948. The winner’s share of the Indianapolis 500 exceeded $1 million for the first time, the beneficiary being Emerson Fittipaldi. 1989 Al Unser became the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, his previous wins coming in 1970, 1971 and 1978. 1987 Bobby Rahal became the first driver to complete the Indianapolis 500 in less than three hours. The race was broadcast live on ABC for the first time. 1986 1970s Experience the decade that broke records, and barriers, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IMS DIGITAL ARCHIVE 1909 1909 1909 1910s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1930s 1940s 1940s 1950s 1950s 1960s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020 2020 10/10 Rick Mears and team owner Roger Penske celebrate Mears’ third Indianapolis 500 win in 1988. The win put Mears in elite company with Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Johnny Rutherford and Bobby Unser as three-time Indy 500 winners. 9/10 The Opening Ceremonies for the Tenth Pan American Games took place on the Speedway’s main straightaway in 1987. The ceremonies used an elaborate stage incorporating the Master Control Tower and pit lane. Vice President George H.W. Bush attended to formally open the games. 8/10 Bobby Rahal celebrates his emotional Indianapolis 500 victory in 1986 with his car owner, Jim Trueman, who is wearing a white hat. Trueman was extremely ill and would succumb to cancer only 11 days later. 7/10 In the Spring of 1986, a new garage area complex was built, which includes 96 individual garages for race teams and new accessory rooms accommodating up to 25 participating companies. These are the same garages race fans know today. 6/10 Rick Mears poses with his crew on the Yard of Bricks after qualifying on the front row for the 1984 Indianapolis 500 with the third starting position. Mears went on to win his second “500” that year. 5/10 Al Unser Jr. made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1983. “Little Al,” the son of Al Unser Sr. and nephew of Bobby Unser, started fifth and finished 10th driving the No. 19. 4/10 Mary Fendrich Hulman gives the command to start engines in 1983. Fendrich Hulman, the wife of the late Tony Hulman, was named Chairperson of the Board after Hulman’s death in 1977 and held it until 1988 when their daughter, Mari Hulman George, was named Chairperson of the Board. Gordon Johncock edges out Rick Mears to win the 1982 Indianapolis 500 in what was then the closest Indy 500 finish in the race’s 66 year history: 0.16 seconds. 3/10 After more than 30 years without a three-time winner, Bobby Unser repeated Johnny Rutherford’s feat by winning his third Indianapolis 500 in 1981. After the race, officials declared Mario Andretti the winner due to Unser’s aggressive pit exit. After months of review, Unser was officially declared the winner on Oct. 8. 2/10 1/10 Johnny Rutherford celebrates in Victory Circle after winning his third Indianapolis 500-Mile race in 1980. “Lone Star JR” became the race’s first three-time winner since Mauri Rose grabbed his third win in 1948. The indy 500 year-by-year AL UNSER: A MODEST INDY 500 RECORD HOLDER IMS HISTORIAN DONALD DAVIDSON DIGITAL DONALD 03/11/2009 Centennial Moment - Bobby Rahal VIDEO 02/19/2009 Centennial Moment - The Unser Family VIDEO 02/18/2009 Centennial Moment - Al Unser VIDEO 02/18/2010 Centennial Moment - Gordon Johncock VIDEO In the spring of 1977, expectations ran high that the first 200-mph lap would be achieved at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway... 04/22/2020 SNEVA BECaME FIRST TO BREAK 200 MPH AT INDY READ MORE ARTICLE Forty years ago, Tom Sneva was the most famous bridesmaid in Indianapolis 500 history... 05/16/2020 FOYT CAREER HIGHLIGHT: 1977 INDY 500 WIN READ MORE ARTICLE One of the greatest names in the history of American sports car racing crossed paths with the Indianapolis 500... 04/28/2020 NABORS SANG INTO HOOSIER HEARTS FOR 36 YEARS READ MORE ARTICLE LOOK BOOK 1980s ALMANAC “Yellow,” the No. 5 Miller American crew radioed to its driver Danny Sullivan on the 120th lap of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge... 05/01/2020 SULLIVAN’S MIRACULOUS ‘SPIN AND WIN’ READ MORE ARTICLE 10/10 Rick Mears and team owner Roger Penske celebrate Mears’ third Indianapolis 500 win in 1988. The win put Mears in elite company with Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Johnny Rutherford and Bobby Unser as three-time Indy 500 winners. 9/10 The Opening Ceremonies for the Tenth Pan American Games took place on the Speedway’s main straightaway in 1987. The ceremonies used an elaborate stage incorporating the Master Control Tower and pit lane. V