First Indy 500

On May 30, 1911, the first ever Indy 500 took place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When it was created, no one realized that it would be one of the most popular races 100 years later. It began following the popularity of the 1910 races, which drew the highest crowds seen in years.

The first Indy 500 had the highest prize of any race, with the prize totaling over $27,000. A prize like that was sure to bring in a fair amount of participants, and it did. 46 people signed up to race in the Indy 500, with participants coming from all over the world to join. Only 40 of those 46 participants were allowed to compete in the race, and only the best of the best were chosen as the final 40.

The race's eventual winner, Ray Harroun was in retirement when the race was announced, but he came out of retirement specifically to compete in this new and unprecedented race. After he won and was awarded his prize of $10,000, Harroun happily went back into retirement, where he would live in racing fame forever.

The Indy 500 is now one of the most popular races of all time, and it all began on May 30, 1911.

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