The 2010 Indianapolis 500 will start today at 1 p.m. The "Greatest spectacle in racing" is the 6th race of the IZOD Indy Car Series schedule. They race 17 races overall.
Some quick facts about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the field:
- The 2.5 mile speedway was built in 1909, and races have taken place annually since 1911, except for the years during the two world wars. The IMS is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world.
- Today's race is 500 miles (200 laps)
- Four prior winners are in today's field: Helio Castroneves (winner in 2001, 2002, 2009), Scott Dixon (2008), Dario Franchitti (2007), and Dan Wheldon(2005).
- Castroneves has a chance to reach Indy immortality if he wins today's race, as only 3 other drivers have won 4 races. A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987), and Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991).
- The ages of the qualifiers has a pretty large disparity, as the younger driver, Sebastian Saavedra is 19, and the oldest driver, Davey Hamilton, is 47.
- The most experienced driver in the field is John Andretti, who has 10 Indy starts. The record for starts at Indy, 35, is held by A.J. Foyt. Foyt set the record in consecutive years from 1958-92.
- There are also 4 females in this years field, the most ever. The highest finish by a female was Danica Patrick's 3rd place finish in 2009.
For more race updates, follow the IDS on twitter @ids_sports
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