Question 1

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 track is nicknamed 'The Brickyard' because it was originally paved with bricks.

Accepted Answer

True. TRUE. The speedway was built with 3.2 million bricks in 1909. Though now mostly asphalt, the name remains.

Question 2

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 has never been postponed or delayed because of rain.

Accepted Answer

False. FALSE. Rain has caused delays many times, including full-day postponements in 1997 and 2021. The race is run rain or shine.

Question 3

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 winner traditionally drinks milk in victory lane after the race.

Accepted Answer

True. TRUE. Driver Louis Meyer drank buttermilk in 1936, starting the tradition. Winners now drink a bottle of milk in victory lane.

Question 4

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 was canceled in 1917, 1918, and 1942 through 1945 due to world wars.

Accepted Answer

True. TRUE. The Indianapolis 500 was canceled from 1917 to 1918 due to World War I, and from 1942 to 1945 due to World War II. It has otherwise run annually since its inception in 1911.

Question 5

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 is part of motorsport's Triple Crown along with Monaco GP and Le Mans.

Accepted Answer

True. TRUE. These three events in different disciplines are considered the crown jewels of motorsport. The Indy 500 represents oval racing.

Question 6

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 has always been held on May 30 every year since 1911.

Accepted Answer

False. FALSE. The race was canceled during WWI (1917–18) and WWII (1942–45). Until 1973 it was scheduled on Memorial Day (May 30). Since 1974, it’s held the Sunday before Memorial Day.

Question 7

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 cars use engines from standard production automobiles.

Accepted Answer

False. FALSE. Indy cars use purpose-built, turbocharged V6 engines from manufacturers like Honda and Chevrolet, not stock car engines.

Question 8

True or false: The Indianapolis 500 winner receives the original Borg-Warner Trophy to keep forever.

Accepted Answer

False. FALSE. The original trophy stays at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Winners receive a miniature replica for personal possession.

The Indianapolis 500 Trivia Questions