Your expectations for Memorial Day weekend will never be the same once you've attend this high-octane auto race. Although, ironically, the cars use mostly E-85 these days. Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1911, this race is a premier motorsport event that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Although the Speedway does not share attendance numbers, the grandstands seat approximately 250,000, and crowds have been estimated at about 400,000 including the sprawling speedway complex.
The Indy 500 consists of 33 turbocharged cars racing 200 laps for a total distance of 500 miles. Hence the name. Although the race is held on only one day (Sunday), the Speedway is busy with drivers practicing and participating in qualifying time trials for the two weeks leading up to the race. In 2014, the fastest qualifying speed for the race was a whopping 231mph.
Between the prestige and history, it’s no surprise that the Indy 500 has big cash payouts. In 2014, the Indy’s purse totaled $14.2 million, with the winner, Ryan Hunter-Reay, earning $2.49 million. The prizes are not the only astronomical amounts of money being spent at this event. Top Indycar teams spend approximately $15 million annually on their car, driver, research and development, and everything else that goes along with operating a professional sports team. Which is probably a lot of stuff.
So, skip your neighborhood's Memorial Day barbeque this year, and book yourself a trip to Indianapolis for a unique and exciting experience.
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