Hoosier Hundred
| Location |
Indiana State Fairgrounds Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana 39°49′47″N 86°08′03″E / 39.829706°N 86.134261°ECoordinates: 39°49′47″N 86°08′03″E / 39.829706°N 86.134261°E |
|---|---|
| First race | 1946 |
| First Silver Crown race | 1971 |
| Distance | 100-miles |
| Laps | 100 |
| Previous names |
Indianapolis 100 Hulman-Hoosier Hundred |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Length | 1.60934 km (1.00000 mi) |
The Hoosier Hundred is a USAC Silver Crown Series race held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. The race was first held in 1953, and through 1970 was part of the National Championship.
Over the years, the Hoosier Hundred has been considered one of the richest and most prestigious open wheel Sprint car races in the United States. Seven winners of the Hoosier Hundred have also won the Indianapolis 500, led by A. J. Foyt, who has won six times. The event takes place at the historic one-mile (1.6 km) dirt oval at the fairgrounds complex, known as the "Track of Champions."
Qualifying and/or heat race(s) lead up to the main event, a 100-lap, 100-mile (160 km) race held under the lights. Currently, the Hoosier Hundred is held on Memorial Day weekend, the same weekend as the Indianapolis 500, which is held nearby at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Racing at the fairgrounds oval dates back to the early 20th century. In June 1903, Barney Oldfield drove the first 60 mph (96.5 km/h) lap in automobile history at the circuit. The first AAA championship race took place in 1946, with Rex Mays sweeping the pole position and race.
The first Hoosier Hundred was held in 1953, and was part of the AAA National Championship Trail. The traditional date for the race would be in September. The race provided a popular second race in the Indianapolis-area, with the famous Indianapolis 500 in May, and many of the same participants returning to the fairgrounds four months later. The race grew in popularity and stature, and became one of the richest and most prestigious dirt track races in the U.S.
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