"Speedway" "Indy" "The 500"-- the best known automobile race in the world. The Indianapolis 500 has been held every year since 1911, the only exceptions being 1917-18 and 1942-45, during the periods when America was involved in the two world wars. It's been a 100+ years saga of dreams, innovation, ingenuity, bravery, triumph, and tragedy. This is the story of the Indianapolis 500, how it came to be, and what it has meant over the years.