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Contruction Begins
Grading work begins to convert the IMS Company’s property from farmland to a 2.5-mile oval. King Brothers of Montezuma, Ind., has been awarded the contract for grading and New York-based engineer P. T. Andrews has been hired as superintendent of construction. -
Track Repave
Dec. 10, 1909: The brick-paving job is completed, 63 days after work began. Even before the work is done, locals have nicknamed the track “The Brickyard.” -
First Indy 500
The first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, initially named the “International Sweepstakes,” is won by Ray Harroun at an average speed of 74.602 mph. Except during America’s involvement in World Wars I and II, the Indianapolis 500 will be an annual event from now on. Almost a century later, many historians will look back on this event as perhaps the first to feature the use of a pace car, and they will also credit Harroun’s Marmon “Wasp” as the first automobile to use a rearview mirror. -
First repeat winner.
Tommy Milton became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 two times (his first win was in 1921). With the exception of one car, this was also the first time the entire field used single-seat cars during the "500." -
Safety enhancements.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first track in the world to install safety-warning lights. Also in 1935, helmet use became mandatory at the Speedway, a first for motor racing worldwide. -
Asphalt resurface.
The entire track, except the middle portion of the main straightaway, was resurfaced with asphalt. -
New Pagoda
A new Master Race Control Tower (replacing the 1926 Pagoda), Tower Terrace and Pit Area were built for the 1957 Indianapolis 500 - along with a new tunnel under the backstretch. Other improvements followed quickly. -
Television coverage.
The Indianapolis 500 was televised nationally on a tape-delayed basis for the first time on ABC. -
First Female to qualify for the Indy 500
On the final day of qualifying in 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first female to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. -
NASCAR comes ton Indy.
The inaugural NASCAR Brickyard 400 race was won by Jeff Gordon. -
Olympic torch comes to Indy.
The Olympic Torch Relay came to the Speedway on the way to the 2002 Winter Olympic games in Salt Lake City. IndyCar Series drivers Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves took one lap with the flame in the back of a Chevy Avalanche, and Eddie Cheever Jr. and IMS CEO Tony George each ran with the flame. -
New era of Indy 500
Helio Castroneves wins the first Indianapolis 500 to take place in the Centennial Era, becoming just the ninth driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” three times.