The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) was initiated by Carl Fisher (CGF) who, financially assisted by several other partners, formed the IMS in 1909. This group represented companies, that were supplying the US automotive industry. CGF recognized the need for a test track where high speeds could be obtained and races could be organised, to improve automotive development in the US. He already had written down his ideas on the need for speedways in 1906. For Indianapolis, the amount of prize money was far more than on other motor racing events, as several US companies donated special cups.

The speedway was built 1909, in less than half a year. The first races resulted in mere catastrophe. Mainly due to the deteriorating track surface, several accidents occurred with deaths and casualties. In November 1909, the track was resurfaced with bricks making it the well-known brickyard. In 1910, a second event with many small races was held, but it appeared not to be successful. So, from 1911 on, the IMS concentrated on one single large event every year. That proved to be a real shot into the future; the Indianapolis Sweepstakes what later became the Indianapolis 500.

Prior to World War I, European cars and drivers were very present at Indianapolis. After the War, Indianapolis and the European race scene both went their own way. In the end, the Indianapolis 500 race series stood the test of time and still endures successfully up to present days.