Indianapolis Motor Speedway - 100 years of automotive innovation

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Over the past 100 years, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has hosted some of the best moments of racing cars. Although the news aroused action focused on the oval behind the scenes activities generated its peers. In their efforts to achieve optimum speed, mechanics and engineers who have been working on race cars that innovation Pit Row existed, created for the road.

In fact, the first Indianapolis 500 Mile RaceIn 1911 the opening of the mirror. When the driver had a mechanic that the car other drivers of the car to accompany the final inspection. Driver Ray Harroun had a different idea. Instead of the additional passenger, decided he could see if the pilot was also a mirror screwed to the front of his car. The extra weight of a passenger would be eliminated, then reduced the air resistance and increases the possibility of greater speed. The idea helped Harrounthe first winner of the Indy 500 Finally, the level has also attracted the interest of car manufacturers. Today is standard on all vehicles.

In general, these first two races Proving Ground for new products and advertising media. Manufacturers such as Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, could show the audience how his product. In the first half of 1900, put the same Firestone tires for the track and road. The idea was to impress raceFans then buy Firestone tires on its vehicles would. Copy to race on Sunday, Monday, is a business practice has become Firestone.

The tradition is rooted with the Firestone Speedway win in 1925 by Peter DePaolo. Among the new average balloon tires Firestone DePaolo 101.13 mph, without a puncture. In fact, each balloon tires were the top ten drivers. Firestone Triumph the public convinced that the new rubber balloon tires lasted longer. Moreover, the tirehave proven to be a more comfortable ride.

The balloon tires were the first efforts of the most innovative producers in the Indy circuit. Over the years, still have the tires, engines and body to improve. Many of these innovations were then transferred to public vehicles.

Today, the race is very pleased with the special parts for motor vehicles and is only used for racing cars. But the practice of promoting the best they can offer the manufacturer norimportant part of the tradition of the Indianapolis 500.