Universal Ramblings

Venue	Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Corporate sponsor	Various
First race	1911
First IndyCar race	1996
Distance	500 miles (804 km)
Number of laps	200
Previous names	International 500-Mile Sweepstakes (1911–1915)International 300-Mile Sweepstakes (1916) Liberty Sweepstakes (1919) International 500-Mile Sweepstakes (1920–1941, 1946–1979)

U.S. automobile race. It has been held annually since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2.5-mi (4-km) asphalt oval with banked quarter-mile turns. The “Indy 500″ is a 500-mi (805-km) race for top international competitors using specially designed race cars (open-wheel, open-cockpit, rear-engine vehicles). Traditionally held on or near Memorial Day, the race is one of the most prestigious on the international racing circuit, drawing large crowds (about 300,000) and offering substantial prizes (more than $1.5 million).

The event, billed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, is one of the oldest motor sport events, and is considered one of the three most significant motor racing events in the world. While the official attendance is not disclosed by Speedway management, with a permanent seating capacity for more than 257,000 people and infield seating that raises capacity further to an approximate 400,000, it is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.