The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was designed and built in the first half of 1909; so in a relatively short time. During that first phase, two designs were studied, but none of them was applied. Finally the 2-1/2 mile rectangular track with four banked 90-degree curves as we still know it today, was constructed. Then mid 1909, a balloon race and later a series of motorcycle races was organised. In August 1909, the first three-days race meet was organised. That first series of races ended in mere catastrophy, claiming the lives of some drivers, mechanics and even of two spectators. It was followed by huge discussions on the reason for these accidents, the poor track surface, and even whether such races should require a ban. But in the last months of that year, the track surface was bricked, ensuring much more safer and even faster racing. So „Brick the Yard“ proved to have been a good decision, ensuring a succesfull existence of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway till today.