Fernando Alonso is looking to join the Indy 500 greats with victory next Sunday.
Fernando Alonso is looking to join the Indy 500 greats with victory next Sunday.
? 2017,Walt Kuhn/IndyCar Series
Huge crowds congregate for the 2016 Indy 500 held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Huge crowds congregate for the 2016 Indy 500 held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Racers compete over 200 laps (500 miles) in a race that forms part of motorsport's "Triple Crown" -- the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Racers compete over 200 laps (500 miles) in a race that forms part of motorsport's "Triple Crown" -- the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Le Mans 24-hour race.
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Organizers estimate around 300,000 spectators attend the race which is full of incident and drama.
Organizers estimate around 300,000 spectators attend the race which is full of incident and drama.
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Cars take to the start line for the first ever Indy 500 in 1911. May 28 marks the 101st edition of the event.
Cars take to the start line for the first ever Indy 500 in 1911. May 28 marks the 101st edition of the event.
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Victory begins to sink in for last year's winner, Alexander Rossi. A former F1 driver, Rossi won the race as a rookie despite starting from 11th place on the grid. The American has since signed a long-term contract with Andretti and is competing again this year.
Victory begins to sink in for last year's winner, Alexander Rossi. A former F1 driver, Rossi won the race as a rookie despite starting from 11th place on the grid. The American has since signed a long-term contract with Andretti and is competing again this year.
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The race usually lasts around three hours, with Brazil's Tony Kanaan holding the record after clocking an average speed of 187.433 mph (301.644 km/h) over the 200 laps in 2013.
The race usually lasts around three hours, with Brazil's Tony Kanaan holding the record after clocking an average speed of 187.433 mph (301.644 km/h) over the 200 laps in 2013.
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The Borg-Warner trophy is one of the most magnificent and unusual in sport, with a three-dimensional portrait of each winner's face carved on the surface. <br />
The Borg-Warner trophy is one of the most magnificent and unusual in sport, with a three-dimensional portrait of each winner's face carved on the surface.
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Scottish driver Dario Franchitti, who won the Indy 500 on three occasions, poses with the trophy at the Brickyard in 2010.
Scottish driver Dario Franchitti, who won the Indy 500 on three occasions, poses with the trophy at the Brickyard in 2010.
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The race is rich with tradition. A bottle of milk has been presented to the winner ever since Louis Meyer, who won three titles between 1928-1936, requested a glass following his triumph in 1936. Here, Rossi douses himself after his 2016 victory.
The race is rich with tradition. A bottle of milk has been presented to the winner ever since Louis Meyer, who won three titles between 1928-1936, requested a glass following his triumph in 1936. Here, Rossi douses himself after his 2016 victory.
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Driver Helio Castroneves, a three-time Indy 500 winner, climbed the fence with his team after winning in 2001. He made a habit of it throughout his career, and gained the nickname "Spiderman."
Driver Helio Castroneves, a three-time Indy 500 winner, climbed the fence with his team after winning in 2001. He made a habit of it throughout his career, and gained the nickname "Spiderman."
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Winners traditionally kiss the bricks on the finish line of track, as seen with 2014 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Winners traditionally kiss the bricks on the finish line of track, as seen with 2014 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
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Since 1976, Jeanetta Holder, a long-time fan of the Indy 500, has produced a custom-made quilt for the winner, earning her the title "Quilt Lady." Here, 2013 champion Tony Kanaan snuggles up in his prize blanket.
Since 1976, Jeanetta Holder, a long-time fan of the Indy 500, has produced a custom-made quilt for the winner, earning her the title "Quilt Lady." Here, 2013 champion Tony Kanaan snuggles up in his prize blanket.
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Early editions of the event are a relic of a bygone era in motorsport. In 1913, Norway's Gil Andersen drove alongside his mechanic.
Early editions of the event are a relic of a bygone era in motorsport. In 1913, Norway's Gil Andersen drove alongside his mechanic.
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As is the requirement in Indy Car Racing, cars have an open-wheel formula.
As is the requirement in Indy Car Racing, cars have an open-wheel formula.
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Pit crews direct their drivers at the 2008 Indy 500.
Pit crews direct their drivers at the 2008 Indy 500.
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Drivers and their teams fill the track for the US national anthem in 2008.
Drivers and their teams fill the track for the US national anthem in 2008.
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