Episode 91: First Indianapolis 500


The 1911 Indianapolis 500
The 1911 Indianapolis 500

Today is the 104th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Here are some things you may not have known about the first Indy 500.

First: After a season in which attendance declined unacceptably, track owners decided to have just one event in 1911. The idea of a 500-mile race won out over a 24-hour race, and other endurance events.

Second: To qualify, cars had to maintain a speed of at least 75 miles per hour over a quarter mile. The starting order was set by entry date, rather than qualifying speed.

Third: The race was won by Ray Harroun, who completed the 500 miles in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds, averaging 75.602 miles per hour.

Our question: Who has won the most Indianapolis 500s?

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