Field Set for 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing'

Editor's note: Today 33 drivers will start their engines to launch the 100th running of America's best-known auto race, the Indianapolis 500.

As the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 approaches, it's a great time to take a look back at the amazing history of what has become known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

When Ray Harroun powered his Marmon "Wasp" to victory in the inaugural event in 1911, William Howard Taft was president of the United States, having succeeded Teddy Roosevelt.

Spectators were amazed that Harroun's Wasp averaged a mind-blowing speed (for 1911) of 74.602 miles per hour. Today's spectators may be just as amazed to learn that fans back then paid just six cents for a gallon for gasoline, two cents for a Hershey's chocolate bar and five cents for a Coke. Now there's a pause that refreshes! And, by the way, in 1911 you could buy a new car for about $1,200 or a new house was $2,650.

How big is Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500? Well, to say it is big would be an understatement. IMS covers over 253 acres. Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City could all fit inside. No wonder they call it the world's greatest race course.

Except for the World War I and World War II years, the Indy 500 has been run annually since 1911 and yet, there have only been a handful of multiple winners. In fact, only three drivers have been fortunate enough to win it four times: AJ Foyt, (1961, '64 , '67 and '77); Al Unser (1970, '71, '78 and '87); Rick Mears (1979, '84, '88 and '91).

Some other interesting facts to ponder as you await the final notes of "Back Home Again in Indiana" and the launch of multi-colored hot air balloon's that precedes each race: Troy Ruttman, at 22 years of age, was the youngest winner of the Indy 500 when he took the checkered flag in the 36th race in 1952. A quarter of a century later, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to compete. Then in 1989, Emerson Fittipaldi and Patrick Racing became the first $1 million winners. The total purse was $1,001,604.

Last year's winner was Dario Franchitti from Scotland. Franchitti is one of the multiple winners. He sped to victory in the 2007 rain-shortened race. In winning the 2010 event, Franchitti recorded a qualifying speed of 226.990 mph and a race speed of 161.623 mph.

But still, it's hard to tell what makes him a luckier guy, winning the Indy 500 twice or being married to movie actress Ashley Judd.

Enjoy the race!

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