The Indianapolis 500 reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 is an American race for automobiles held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. This race gives its name to the "IndyCar" class of racecars.

Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 1977.

The front straightaway was originally made of brick, hence the name "The Brickyard." Today, there is a section of brick at the start/finish line that is 3 feet long and is called "The Yard of Brick."

The first Indianapolis 500 ended at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 30, 1911 with Ray Harroun becoming the first winner of the 500-mile auto race.

Previous winners:

Winners of the Indianapolis 500 not born in the United States: WORK IN PROGRESS