Today is the Indianapolis 500! The Indy 500 draws thousands of spectators each year to its speedway in Indianapolis to watch the five hundred mile, two hundred lap race. Once called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," this race has become an American tradition.

The first Indianapolis 500 race drew 80,200 spectators who each paid a $1 admission fee. Since then, capacity at the speedway has increased to 250,000 permanent seats, making the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the world's largest spectator sporting facility!

The Indy 500 is an event rich in traditions. For example, multi-colored balloons are always released at the start of the race. It's also become tradition for the winner to kneel and kiss the "Yard of Bricks" to pay tribute to the history of the Speedway. It's the combination of tradition and excitement that make the Indy 500 one of the most popular single-day sporting events in the world.

To celebrate, plan an Indy 500 party and tune in to find out who will win this year!