This is the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Very few automobile races have the history and excitement this race produces, fewer still have a history that dates back over 100 years. Starting in 1911, the Indy 500 represented one of the most challenging races in the world.
Some scoffed at the lengthy distance, 500 miles took six hours, 42 minutes and eight seconds to win (Ray Harroun in a Marmon Wasp) in 1911. The fact that this is the 100th running of the Indy 500, and it’s more popular than ever, shows how popular the decision the 500 mile distance was.
The fastest time was achieved by Tony Kanaan (KV Racing Technology) in two hours, 40 minutes and three seconds in 2013.
Having never seen a live race on this historic track, heading to the 100th running of the Indy 500 to cover driver Buddy Lazier is an honor. Buddy Lazier won the 1996 Indy 500 and has been a dominant driver for decades. The Lazier Burns Racing team had to fight tooth and nail to get their one and only Chevrolet-powered car to the show. It qualified 32 out of 33 cars – but at least he qualified.
Over the course of this week, I’ll have access to the Lazier family, Lazier Burns Racing team and the Indianapolis Speedway. So far, it’s a loud, exciting and humid environment; one that brings out wonderfully diverse fans. I’m working with Autowerkz.TV to build a documentary of this team and this event.
It’s a cool gig and I’ve bumped into many TFL fans over the past few days. Now that the Lazier Burns Racing team has officially qualified for the 100th running of the Indy 500, I’ll be on hand to see history.
I promise to tell you all about it!
Speaking of racing…
