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Indianapolis 500 --- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis 500, known as “the greatest spectacle in racing” is the largest single day sporting event in the world, as the track capacity is around 400,000.This historic event is held annually over Memorial Day weekend at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex was built in 1909 as a gravel-and-tar track and hosted a number of small events before the promoters decided to focus on just one major event. The track was then paved with 3.2 million bricks, urged by principal owner Carl G. Fisher after several deaths related to the unsteady racing surface. The creation of a 500 mile race allowed the track to rapidly acquire a privileged status for automobile races.
Racing has come a very long way in the last 100 years.The first "500" was held at the Speedway on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911.The spectators of this race totaled over 82,000 and admission was only 1 dollar.Many of the drivers rode along with mechanics, who checked the oil, and acted as a “spotter”.The Indianapolis 500 has such a long history that many pre and post race traditions have taken place.One of the most noted traditions is for the victor to drink a bottle of milk after the race.This tradition started in 1936 when race winner Louis Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk.Today, the American Dairy Association now sponsors drivers who sip milk in victory lane.In addition to getting a cold glass of milk, the victor also gets their face, name, average speed, and date of victory on the Borg-Warner Trophy.
Sports Traveler has your tickets and travel packages for the 2009 Indianapolis 500.Not only can we provide you with a great selection of race tickets, we also can provide Paddock Penthouse upgrades, headsets, and much more.
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