It’s called The greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also
known as the Indianapolis 500, the Indy 500 or The 500. The auto race is held
annually, typically on the last weekend in May (specifically over the Memorial Day weekend) at the Indianapolis motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The first “500”
was held at the Speedway on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911. It had a field of 40
starters, with Ray Harroun (below) driving a Marmon Model 32-based Wasp across
the finish line. He was the only driver in the race without a riding mechanic, who
checked the oil pressure and would let the driver know when traffic was coming. The
car driven by Harroun was outfitted with his invention, the rearview mirror. A total of 80,000 spectators were reportedly in attendance that day.

RACE WINNER RAY HARROUN (average speed of 75 mph)

Harroun’s  # 32 car as it looks today