A car racing tradition began on this date in 1911. You might recognize the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and there were 40 cars that lined up for that first Indianapolis 500. It was Ray Harroun who won the $14,250 prize, clocking an average speed of 74.59 mph and a total time of 6 hours and 42 minutes. My, how times have changed.
For more info:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-indianapolis-500-held
