Auto Racing's Real Birthday

It was on this date in 1909 that the very first auto race at what would become the Indianapolis Motor Speedway took place.

The growing auto industry demanded the construction of a test facility—and local businessmen built a track on 328 acres of farmland. Eventually, the surface was replaced with over 3 million paving bricks in a bed of sand and fixed with mortar, thus earning the name “The Brickyard”.

Over 12,000 spectators were on hand to see Austrian engineer Louis Schwitzer take the checkered flag with an average speed of 57.4 miles per hour!

Low attendance following this inaugural race caused track officials to make a critical decision. Instead of a series of short races, a grueling race of great distance was decided upon.
The Indy 500 was born—and was a huge hit with audiences. Here is a video clip of that very first Indy 500—in 1911:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReLJ7UZdG9Q

Although I enjoy racing—and have been to a NASCAR event, I don’t really “get” the passion that true race fans exhibit. Racing is the #1 spectator sport in the U.S.—ahead of baseball, football, hockey, you name it! In fact, with an average attendance of 400,000, the Indy 500 is the best-attended event in U.S. sports.

There are many who do not consider it a “sport”—or the drivers “athletes”. I am not one of them. Unbelievable concentration, focus over many hours and catlike reflexes make race car drivers true athletes in my book. While these qualities/talents may be required in other sports, a lapse for even a second can cost the driver his/her life---not so with most other endeavors. Since the stakes are so high—and the danger so ever present, it’s difficult to NOT consider drivers athletes of the highest order.

Despite all this, you will rarely catch me watching any racing on TV…too boring. I like to view truly riveting sports on television.

Like golf.


If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com