| Many events in automotive history can be attributed | | | | earned international status. It continued to grow until |
| to the creative dream and obsession of a single man | | | | World War I; during which time all racing activities |
| to realize his dreams. The Ford and the Jaguar were | | | | were suspended. The track served the war effort as |
| examples of this. The Indianapolis 500 also began as | | | | a landing field and was also used as an aviation repair |
| one man's dream. Carl Fisher of Indianapolis, Indiana | | | | depot. |
| conceived the idea of building a racetrack for car | | | | Following the end of World War I, the first race was |
| manufacturers to test their equipment against that | | | | held on May 31. The winner's prize was $50,000. But |
| of other manufacturers. And he believed that the | | | | tragedy struck again, the first time since 1911, and |
| general public would be willing to pay to watch these | | | | three people were killed. |
| events. | | | | In 1920, Gaston Chevrolet, in a Monroe, was the first |
| Carl had some friends who were also interested in his | | | | driver across the finish line. He was the first American |
| dream. Together they searched for and found land, | | | | winner since 1912. |
| which they were able to buy for $72,000. They then | | | | In 1927 Carl Fisher sold the Speedway to Eddie |
| incorporated under the name of Indianapolis Motor | | | | Rickenbacker. Over the following years, many |
| Speedway Company. | | | | changes took place. Then during World War II, the |
| Although scheduled to open on June 5, 1909, there | | | | Speedway was left idle. Races were discontinued and |
| were several construction delays so the first race | | | | it was not needed in the war effort. |
| was not held until August 19, 1909. Unfortunately, this | | | | After repairs and renovation, it re-opened in 1946. |
| event was marked by tragedy. Three competitors | | | | That year, George Robson won. |
| and two spectators were killed while several other | | | | Many traditions have developed around the race. At |
| people were injured. | | | | the end the Purdue Marching Band plays "Back Home |
| Following these sad occurrences, Fisher announced | | | | Again in Indiana." When the line "the new mown hay" |
| that the track would be made safer. After paving | | | | begins, thousands of multicolored balloons are |
| the track, and installing guardrails, Fisher re-opened | | | | released into the air. |
| the track on December 17, 1909. Many successful | | | | Since the race occurs on Memorial Day, the band |
| events were now held and plans were soon in the | | | | plays "Taps" and a US military aircraft performs a |
| works for a new, bigger and better track, which was | | | | fly-by. |
| completed in 1911. | | | | There is a more recent tradition, which began in |
| The first Indianapolis 500 was held on May 30, 1911. | | | | 1996, of the winning driver and crew kissing the yard |
| The winning prize was $17,550. Ray Haroun, driving a | | | | of bricks that indicate the start/finish line. It is also |
| Marmon Wasp, won. | | | | traditional that the winner drinks a bottle of milk right |
| However, the race did not arouse any interest in | | | | after the race. |
| Europe until 1913. That year, in addition to cars from | | | | Over the years, Carl Fisher's dream has probably |
| the United States, drivers entered from France, | | | | exceeded his wildest expectations. The winning purse |
| England, Germany and Italy. A European driver, Jules | | | | has gone from $27,550 in 1911 to $9,047,150 in 1999. |
| Goux, won, driving a 1913 Peugeot. He was the first | | | | Cars enter and people attend from around the world. |
| European winner. Now the American Indy 500 had | | | | Carl Fisher would be happy. |