The Indy 500 Traditions

Did you know that the Indy 500 has traditions surrounding race day? From the time it started in 1911, when the first race was ran, there have been driver traditions that developed through the years. Though out the big changes at the track in recent years, the traditions have endured. Here are a few of them.

Gasoline Alley

This is the garage area for the cars. And we all know how oily, and dirty a garage can get!

Carburetor Day

This is the last day drivers and their teams can adjust the carburators in the cars, it is also the last day of practice before the big race. Even though no carburetors are used in the cars today, it is still a big day for the drivers, but the name stuck.

33 cars, 11 rows, 3 cars per row

This was settled on as a safety issue back in 1921. The first race, in 1911 had 40 cars, then in 1912, there was only 24 cars. They were lined up in rows of 5. From 1913 to 1920, they cut it down to 4 per row. Until 1920, there was no limit on the number of cars in the race.
The track was closed only once.... For 4 year's during WWII.

The Pace Car

The speedway was originally built for use by the auto industry to test-drive the cars, that was emerging in the early 1900's. It was used from the very first race in 1911 due to too many cars at the starting point. They thought it would be safer for a passenger car to lead them around the track once, to get the pace going for the drivers... hence the name: The Pace Car. And it's been used ever since.

"Back Home Again in Indiana"

This pre-race song goes back to 1946, when the track re-opened after being closed for 4 year's. It is still sung today right before the race.

"Gentlemen, Start your Engines"

When the track re-opened, it was also under new ownership. Tony Hulman (new owner at the time) started his first race with those infamous words. When Tony died in 1977, his wife, Mary Fendrich Hulman gave the drivers their cue, until she also died in 1993. Their daughter, Mari Hulman George now carries on that tradition to the drivers to start the race.

The Milk at the finish line

Who can forget the milk! The 1933 race started that one. Indy winner Louis Meyer hurried to the garage for something cold to drink after the race, due to it being a hot day. As he was drinking it, a photographer passed by, and took the picture. It was in the next morning's paper, and the milk has been at the finish line ever since.