Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana (a separate city completely surrounded by Indianapolis) in the United States, is the second-oldest surviving auto racing track in the world (after The Milwaukee Mile), having existed since 1909. The track is a relatively flat two and a half mile oval, almost rectangular in shape. It has a spectator capacity of over 300,000, making it the largest sporting facility in the world. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

The 1940s

At the beginning of the 1940s, the track required further improvement. In 1941, half of "Gasoline Alley," the garage area, burned down before the race. When US involvement in World War II canceled the race for four years, the track was abandoned and was in bad shape when drivers returned in 1946. The track was sold to Tony Hulman at that time, and major renovations were made. The stands were remodelled, suites and museums were added, and many other additions helped bring back Indy's reputation as a great track.

Related Topics:
1940s - 1941 - World War II - 1946 - Tony Hulman

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Several drivers helped bring back its reputation as well, including three-time winner Mauri Rose and Bill Vukovich. In the 1950s, cars were going 150 mph (240 km/h) around the Speedway, helping to draw more and more fans. The track’s reputation improved so much the Indy 500 became part of the Formula One World Championship for 11 years (1950-1960), even though none of the Indy drivers raced in Formula One and only Ferrari's Alberto Ascari of the F1 drivers at the time raced in the 500.

Related Topics:
Mauri Rose - Bill Vukovich - 1950s - Formula One - Ferrari's - Alberto Ascari

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