Indy 500 — Mind Blowing Facts (#12)
🏁 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Indy 500 You Probably Didn’t Know
The Indianapolis 500 isn’t just another car race — it’s a century-old spectacle of speed, innovation, and wild history. Here are jaw-dropping facts about “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” that will blow your mind! 🧠💥
🪞 The Indy 500 Invented the Rear-View Mirror
In the very first Indy 500 in 1911, driver Ray Harroun ditched the traditional riding mechanic (who used to spot traffic behind the driver) and instead strapped a rear-view mirror to his Marmon Wasp. This was one of the first recorded uses of a rear-view mirror — an innovation that is now in every car today!
🗓️ Year: 1911
🏆 Winner: Ray Harroun
📚 Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
🍼 Drivers Once Drank Milk in Victory Lane Because of Their Moms
In 1936, winner Louis Meyer drank buttermilk after winning. Why? His mother told him it was refreshing on a hot day. 🥵💧 The tradition stuck and has since become a beloved post-race ritual (though it’s now regular milk).
🚀 Speeds Have More Than Doubled Since the First Race
Ray Harroun averaged 74.6 mph in 1911. Compare that to Tony Kanaan’s average of 187.4 mph in 2013, and you realize how insane modern cars have become.
🧮 There Have Been 4-Time Winners — But Never a 5-Timer
A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves all have 4 wins each. But no one has ever won the Indy 500 five times. Will someone break the curse?
💰 The First Race Had a Purse of $27,550 — Now It’s Over $17 Million
The first Indy 500 had a total purse of $27,550 in 1911. In 2023, the total purse was over $17 million, with Josef Newgarden pocketing $3.66 million for the win.