This page traces the full history of the Indianapolis 500 ; “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” From its first running in 1911 to the high-tech showdowns of today, the Indy 500 has defined American motorsport through innovation, bravery, and unforgettable drama. To capture the race’s evolution, we’ve divided its history into nine distinct eras, each highlighting how the cars, drivers, and traditions of the Brickyard have changed across more than a century of competition.