The First Indy 500

The Indy 500 bills itself today as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” That description would’ve been just as accurate for the inaugural race on May 30, 1911, which featured 40 cars battling for a then-staggering $27,000 in prize money. Matt Anderson, Curator of Transportation at The Henry Ford will take us on the journey through photos from that landmark first running – many taken by Henry Ford, one of the 80,000 fans who saw history being made at the Brickyard that day.

Photo Credit: The Henry Ford

ABOUT SPEAKER SERIES

The Studebaker Museum Speaker Series, presented by the Campisi Family Education Fund, is held in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Regular Speaker Series admission is $2. Regular admission fees apply to tour the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum. Studebaker National Museum and Campus members are admitted free!