Indy 500

noun

, Informal.

Indianapolis 500.

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What is the Indy 500?

Indy 500 is a popular informal name for the Indianapolis 500, an annual 500-mile auto race in the sport that’s known as Indy Car racing. It’s held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most famous auto races in the world. It’s nicknamed the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. It’s one of the major races in the IndyCar racing season.

When is the Indy 500?

The Indianapolis 500 is typically held on the last Sunday in May. The 2024 Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 26. The 2025 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25.

More information and context on the Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1909, and the first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911.

The Indy 500 traditionally consists of a field of 33 drivers and is run around a 2.5-mile oval racetrack. It is not a Formula One event—Indy Cars are similar to Formula One cars, but differ in some technical ways. In fact, the word Indy in Indy Car is named for the Indianapolis 500.

For many years, the race was famously begun with an announcer saying, “Gentleman, start your engines!” As the race now sometimes includes women drivers, it is now begun by saying, “Drivers, start your engines!”

What are some terms that often get used in discussing the Indy 500?

How is the Indy 500 discussed in real life?

The Indianapolis 500 is commonly called the Indy 500. It’s one of the most famous auto races in the world.

And rookie Alexander Rossi takes the checkered flag in the 100th running of the Indy 500! pic.twitter.com/GlWfrVSbhX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 29, 2016

WOW! Marco Andretti wins the pole for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500! Average speed of 231.068 mph beats Scott Dixon's 231.051. That was thrilling stuff.

First Andretti on the Indy 500 pole since Mario in 1987.

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) August 16, 2020

Bobby Unser, racing clan's three-time Indy 500 winner, dies at 87 https://t.co/22W97VWZGq

— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) May 4, 2021

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True or False?

The Indy 500 is a Formula One race.

Indy Indy Car racing

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